Holiday apartment in Odalengo Piccolo: trails, nature and Monferrato

Odalengo Piccolo combines extensive forests and vineyards with trails, small historic buildings and unique views of nature and the sky. Two thirds of the area lie within a wildlife protection oasis recognized by the Province of Alessandria. When choosing a holiday apartment in Odalengo Piccolo, you can therefore plan your trip around different interests: active days on several trails, leisurely discoveries in the hamlets or culinary themes centered on apples and truffles.

Nature trails and an observatory

The public Astronomical Observatory of Odalengo Piccolo was inaugurated in 2007. During public opening evenings, visitors can tour the observatory, observe the sky through the instruments and receive explanations from members of the Cielo del Monferrato astronomy group. Booking via the astronomy group's website is required for these evening events. A picnic area in Spina Christi is located about 200 meters from the observatory. The wildlife protection oasis also contains a circular trail that begins at the observatory and leads towards Località Rondaneto.

Several long-distance trails also pass through Odalengo Piccolo. The Superga–Crea hiking trail runs through the village. The Superga–Vezzolano–Crea trail crosses the provinces of Alessandria, Asti and Turin and can be used year-round on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The Alessandria section of the Cammino di San Michele passes through Odalengo Piccolo between Villadeati and Castelletto Merli. Another hike to Crea starts at the Cesare Triveri memorial stone.

Hiking between Pessine and the hills

The hike to Castello di Pessine offers views of the hills of Basso Monferrato; Monte Rosa, the Gran Paradiso group and Monviso are visible from the route. The trail follows marker 705 as far as Cascina Carpugnano. From there, occasional signs from the CAI of Casale point to the Cesare Triveri trail, which is connected to the Superga–Crea route. A cycling route by Pedalare Il Monferrato leads to Odalengo Piccolo, continues on asphalt towards the hamlet of Vicinato and then returns towards the hamlet of Pessine.

Chapels, churches and local history

Castello di Pessine is a private manor house currently undergoing restoration. Its portal features a stone bearing the symbol of the Agnus Dei, dated 1386. Pessine is also home to the Chapel of San Sebastiano, with a simple temple-like façade and triangular pediment. The small Church of San Pietro near Serra dates from the early 19th century. The settlement of Visinalis, now the hamlet of Vicinato, already existed at the end of the 13th century and was built around the church dedicated to Saints Mary and Peter.

Apples, truffles and regional traditions

The “Melamangio in Monferrato” center preserves more than 150 old apple varieties from Monferrato, including Marcun, Ciucarina and Canditina. The traditional Fiera Tufo&Tartufo takes place every year on the first Sunday in October and is dedicated to white truffles and old apple varieties. In 2026, the municipality described Tufo & Tartufo as a regional fair promoting culinary products as well as craft and hobby-related creations.

For families with different interests, a varied day in Odalengo Piccolo can be planned: nature and the circular trail alongside stargazing, hikes, cycling routes and cultural and historical attractions. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore pay particular attention to whether your travel plans focus more on trails, landscapes, local history or regional specialties.

More places for planning your trip

Fresonara, Guazzolo, Melazzo, Silvano D'orba, Casale Monferrato, San Salvatore Monferrato, Malvicino, Olivola

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.