Carrodano

Carro and Carrodano, rolling up their sleeves as if they were a dynamic duo of tavernkeepers who know their stuff, tempt the taste buds of travellers with stockfish stew, sautéed borage fritters, trays of courgettes and tomatoes au gratin with homemade fillings, and finally, in Maissana, a moment of detox, in the places where the classic Torza bean, the real star of food festivals, is grown.

Our attention is reawakened in Carrodano Inferiore, as we reach the Church of Santa Felicita. As soon as we enter, we are greeted by a splendid wooden statue, precisely Felicita, surrounded by her seven children, the collected works  of the school of Maragliano – the statue, during the patron saint’s festival in August, is carried by arm along the streets of the neighbourhoods, despite weighing several quintals.

Carrodano Superiore enshrines the church of San Bartolomeo, a pink interlude among the small, narrow avenues and balconies. Turning from the road to Monte San Nicolao, you reach interesting traces of the distant past here in Carrodano: the remains of an ancient medieval lodging, where pilgrims used to stop on their way to sanctuaries and the Via Francigena.

The Romanesque-style Church of Mattarana, dedicated to St John the Baptist, is worth a visit. Celebrations are held on the night of June 24^th, with the traditional bonfire.