Don Bosco Pilgrimage Trail

This section of the Don Bosco Pilgrimage Trail, from Castelnuovo to Serra di Buttigliera, generally takes about 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. This duration is for the 10.4 km hike, assuming a steady pace.

The route is rated as moderate. While the overall Don Bosco Trail is often described as easy, this specific segment involves some ascents and descents typical of hilly terrain in Piedmont, but without extreme technical challenges. It's suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

You can expect a varied terrain that winds through picturesque hills. The path features a mix of woods, vineyards, and agricultural fields. You'll encounter historic hamlets and scattered farmhouses, with views of the rolling Monferrato hills. The trail may involve unpaved paths, country roads, and potentially some sections on provincial roads as it passes through villages.

This trail is deeply connected to Saint John Bosco, with Castelnuovo Don Bosco, his birthplace, being a pivotal point. Hiking it offers an experience of "art and spirituality" through landscapes that shaped his life. Beyond its spiritual significance, you can discover Romanesque monuments, enjoy local food products, and taste DOC wines from ancient vineyards in the area south of Turin.

Yes, this route intersects with other official trails. You will find sections that overlap with the Asti Vezzolano trail and the Ciclovia Francigena - variante Moncenisio.

You can find parking options in Castelnuovo Don Bosco, which serves as the starting point for this segment. There are also parking possibilities near Serra di Buttigliera if you plan to start or end your hike there.

Public transport options are available to reach both Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Serra di Buttigliera. It's advisable to check local bus schedules, as services might be less frequent, especially on weekends or holidays. For detailed information, you can consult local transport websites or tourist information centers in the Piedmont region.

Generally, trails in this region are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through agricultural areas, near livestock, or on sections that might involve provincial roads. Please ensure you clean up after your pet.

The best time to hike this trail is typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is usually mild and pleasant, and the scenery, with blooming wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage, is particularly beautiful. Summer can be hot, while winter might bring colder temperatures and potentially snow, especially in higher elevations of the wider trail network.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike this section of the Don Bosco Pilgrimage Trail. It is a public path accessible to all.

Yes, both Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Serra di Buttigliera, as well as other villages along the wider Don Bosco Trail, offer various options for cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. You can find places to enjoy local gastronomy, including DOC wines, and stay overnight if you plan a multi-day trip or wish to explore the area further.