A small stream, the Ardivestra, flows through the green hills of the Oltrepadane. It rises at Torre degli Alberi in Valverde, a hamlet in the Colli Verdi, and from its source it begins a journey along the Ardivestra valley, passing through the hamlets of Colli Verdi, Fortunago, Montesegale and Rocca Susella. A journey that ends in the Staffora torrent.
Evidence of the past
The Ardivestra valley, with its charm and rich history, is a land that bears witness to bygone eras. Among its wonders, the castles of Montesegale and Torre degli Alberi stand proud models of the past.
The Castle of Montesegale
The Castle of Montesegale, an imposing fortress, stands on a hill overlooking the valley below. Its stone walls tell the story of battles fought and noble lords who succeeded each other over time. Every tower and every battlemented wall tells of a time when defence and power were at the centre of life. The panoramic view enchants visitors, taking them back to a time when knights and ladies enlivened the place with their presence.
The village of Montesegale also has other important buildings, such as the 16th century church of Saints Cosmas and Damian and the small stone church of Zuccarello.
The Castle of Torre degli Alberi
The Castle of Torre degli Alberi, perched on the top of a steep hill, is a building that blends in with the surrounding nature, as if it were an integral part of the landscape. The high square tower is still in its original state. The castle is located in the municipality of Colli Verdi.
