Reserve and protected area
Riserva Naturale della Valle Andona, Valle Botto e Val Grande
Asti · Camerano Casasco · Cinaglio · Settime
West of Asti, wooded hills preserve shells from a vanished sea. The reserve combines nature walks with palaeontology, with one important distinction: Valle Andona and Val Grande have open access, while Valle Botto’s fossil route requires a booked guided visit.
Three valleys and four municipalities
The reserve covers about 930 hectares across Asti, Camerano Casasco, Cinaglio and Settime. The hills preserve Pliocene marine deposits, including shell-rich layers exposed along valley cuts. The landforms become clear on foot: tracks rise from valley floors to ridges, cross oak woods and reach open views over neighbouring hills. This is not a single fossil trail but a collection of habitats and routes to choose according to the visit you want.
Oak woods, ponds and rural scenery
Alongside the geological heritage are tall woodland and small water habitats such as Peschiera di Settime and Gorghi di Cinaglio. Routes link these stops with forest and open viewpoints; clear days can bring views towards the Turin hills and Alps. Around Valdigora and Cascina Luisa, old vineyards remain visible amid returning vegetation. The walk also reveals changes in the farmed landscape, best observed while staying on established tracks.
A reserve created for palaeontology
Protection began in 1985 and the reserve was enlarged in 2003. Its original purpose was to conserve fossil deposits, studied in the Asti area since the eighteenth century. Shells are more than curiosities: their shapes, associations and positions in the layers help reconstruct the ancient sea. Valleandona’s former school houses the visitor centre and a palaeontological exhibition room. Trails also reveal more recent history, including San Bartolomeo church and rural remains connected with the Resistance.
Open trails and guided fossil visits
For Valle Andona and Val Grande trails, choose access at Valleandona, Peschiera di Settime, Valdigora or Gorghi di Cinaglio. Loops alternate gravel roads, forest tracks and lightly used paved roads, sometimes with long climbs. Book Valle Botto’s palaeontological route with the park authority; do not enter the outcrops independently. Check visitor-centre opening before leaving. Map searches locate places and parking areas but do not replace the track for your chosen walk.
Places to discover
Open a place on the map to find your bearings. Follow permitted access routes and signs on site.
Centro visite di Valleandona
In the former village school; a reference point for palaeontology and guided visits, subject to opening confirmation.
Open in Google Maps · Centro visite di ValleandonaPeschiera di Settime
Access and rest point for the Valoeisa loop and Gran Giro; use the parking marked on the park map.
Open in Google Maps · Peschiera di SettimeGorghi di Cinaglio
Stop and access to the loop towards San Bartolomeo and Gorghi di Camerano Casasco.
Open in Google Maps · Gorghi di CinaglioArea Valdigora
Parking and rest area for the route towards Cascina Luisa, through woodland and former farmland.
Open in Google Maps · Area ValdigoraBefore you visit
Can I visit the fossils without booking?
Valle Botto’s palaeontological route requires booking and park accompaniment. Open access to Valle Andona and Val Grande does not authorise entry into fossil sectors reserved for guided visits.
Is there one starting point for the whole reserve?
No. Valleandona, Peschiera di Settime, Valdigora and Gorghi di Cinaglio serve different routes. Choose parking together with your track, rather than navigating only to the reserve’s name.