Cassinelle Abbey

Access

The Cassinelle Abbey, located inland from Sestri Ponente in Genoa, is easily accessible thanks to a network of road, rail and hiking connections. For those arriving from afar, the nearest airport is Genoa's Cristoforo Colombo, located about 10 kilometres from the site, which provides connections to major Italian and European cities. From the airport it is possible to reach Borzoli, the starting point for the paths leading to the abbey, by taxi, bus or a short drive.
The railway station of reference for access is Borzoli, served by the regional line that connects Genoa with the neighbouring towns. Those arriving by train from other cities can get off at the Genoa Piazza Principe or Genoa Brignole stations, from where it is possible to take a local train to Borzoli. Genoa's main stations are well connected with both high-speed train lines and regional trains.
For those who prefer to travel by car, road access is equally easy. Coming from the A10 motorway (Autostrada dei Fiori), it is advisable to take the Genova Aeroporto exit. From here, following the signs for Erzelli and Borzoli, you can quickly reach the area via a modern road network that includes two tunnels. The provincial road network connecting Genoa with the hinterland is well developed, with paved paths and clear signposting.
For hikers, access to the abbey is via paths that start from Borzoli. The main route starts from the railway station and crosses the locality of San Rocco di Borzoli, following a track that alternates between cobbled and unpaved sections. The path, recently restored and classified as E (excursionist), is well signposted with the FIE symbol, although in some places the signage may be faded. After crossing the Battestu ditch via a metal footbridge, you reach the plateau where the ruins of the abbey are located.
Another hiking option is the path that starts from the Borzoli military road, near the Scarpino dump. This itinerary includes a descent towards the site following a red marker and crossing the saddle between the Rocca dei Corvi Sud and Teiolo mountains. Both routes offer the opportunity to immerse oneself in the nature of the Val Chiaravagna, with panoramic views and a tranquil and evocative atmosphere.
The abbey is located in an accessible position but immersed in the quiet of the Ligurian hinterland, ideal for those seeking an excursion rich in history and natural beauty. It is advisable to wear suitable footwear and pay attention to any prohibitions or local signs to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

access routes

• Cassinelle Abbey, from Borzoli

Introduction

Located in the hinterland of Genoa's Sestri Ponente district, Cassinelle Abbey stands in an area rich in charm and history, nestled in the woods of Val Chiaravagna. This ancient complex, which owes its name to the Ligurian term 'cascinélle' (small farmsteads), still preserves the ruins of the church of Santa Maria and some adjacent structures. Despite its state of abandonment and decay, the place exudes an evocative and mysterious atmosphere that captivates visitors and takes them back in time.

Description

Founded in the 13th century, the abbey was an important point of reference for the local community. Already in Roman times, the site was a post station along the route that connected the Ligurian coast to the Piedmontese plain, via the Lencisa pass. In the Middle Ages, the religious community linked to the abbey developed thanks to the hermit monks and canons regular of Santa Croce di Mortara, who enlarged the hermitage and built the church of Santa Maria del Piano there in 1308. The crypt underneath housed the tombs of noble Genoese families, including the Grimaldi family, enriching the site with a unique historical and artistic value.
The architecture of the abbey, today only visible in its ruins, reflected the simplicity typical of medieval monastic buildings. The church, with a single nave and trussed roof, had a north-facing entrance and housed an arcosolium tomb in marble and slate, dating back to 1332. In front of the church was a watchtower, with rectangular windows and battlements, which ensured control of the road below. Other buildings, destined for stables, barns and dwellings, completed the abbey complex, creating a small settlement functional to monastic life and the hospitality of pilgrims.
Life in the abbey was marked by prayer and work, following the Benedictine rule "Ora et Labora". The monks devoted themselves to tending the surrounding grounds and welcoming travellers, turning the abbey into a place of cultural and spiritual exchange. With the passing of the centuries, however, the importance of the abbey declined: in the 15th century, management passed to the Benedictines of the Abbey of San Nicolò del Boschetto, and the complex was subsequently used as a rural dwelling. After the suppression of ecclesiastical bodies in the 19th century, the abbey fell into a state of abandonment.
Today, the ruins of Cassinelle Abbey can be reached via a well-marked path, recently restored thanks to the efforts of local associations. Starting from Borzoli railway station, one crosses sections of cobbled road, metal footbridges and forest paths, until reaching the plateau on which the abbey stands, at an altitude of 378 metres. For the more adventurous, it is possible to continue to the little chapel of Bric Teiolo, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Among the curiosities linked to the site, it is said that the watchtower was a strategic point during the War of the Austrian Succession, while the Grimaldi nobles chose the abbey crypt as their burial place because of its sacred and isolated atmosphere. Even today, the allure of decadence and the silence of the surrounding woods make Cassinelle Abbey a perfect place for those seeking an immersive experience in history and nature.
Visiting Cassinelle Abbey means embarking on a journey into the past, in a place that continues to tell stories of faith, struggles and transformations. A unique experience, capable of leaving a deep mark in the hearts of those who discover it.

Information

Collections

• abbeys in the Metropolitan City of Genoa - on the map
• abbazie in Liguria - on the map
• abbazie in Italia - on the map