Val Polcevera – Liguria: parish churches, ridges and rural memories on the outskirts of Genoa. The Polcevera Valley opens northwards from the heart of Genoa, following the course of the homonymous stream up to the Apennine reliefs that separate the Ligurian capital from the Lemme Valley and the Scrivia Valley. Despite the urban and infrastructural presence, the valley retains quiet corners, high-altitude villages, cultivated hills and ancient ridge roads, ideal for hiking, cycling and slow tourism. 🏘️ Historic villages and religious architecture: Along the slopes of the valley there are Romanesque churches, ancient parish churches and small rural settlements that are still alive. Places such as Sant'Olcese, Serra Riccò and Mignanego offer unexpected views of bell towers, carved portals and stone courtyards, testimony to the medieval and peasant history of the valley. 👉 Tip: Visit the Parish Church of San Martino di Paravanico, surrounded by chestnut trees: an intimate and evocative place, where art and nature meet in balance. 🌳 Nature in the hills and panoramic paths: The slopes of the Polcevera Valley are covered with chestnut and oak woods, alternating with vegetable gardens, olive groves and pastured meadows. From the valley floors you can quickly climb towards the ridges of the Ligurian Apennines, with views of the city, the sea and the valleys behind. A network of CAI paths and historic roads connects the villages with each other and with the passes towards Piedmont. 👉 Tip: Follow the route in the stretch that passes by the Passo dei Giovi: a wide and airy route, perfect in every season. 🥩 Cured meats, vegetables and hill farming: The Polcevera Valley is famous for the production of Sant'Olcese salami, an artisanal sausage smoked according to ancient recipes. The farms in the area also grow potatoes, herbs and vegetables from ancient seeds, often sold in local markets and used in traditional Ligurian cuisine. 👉 Tip: Taste the thinly sliced salami with a slice of durum wheat bread and a glass of red wine from Val Polcevera: straightforward and authentic flavors. 🚶 ♀️ Paths, memory and local identity: Ancient routes such as the Via Postumia and the Via del Sale crossed the Val Polcevera, connecting the coast to northern Italy. Today many of these roads can be traveled on foot or by bike, through woods, small sanctuaries and rural stone artifacts. The valley is also marked by places of memory linked to the Resistance and the history of the Genoese twentieth century. 👉 Tip: Take part in a guided hike on the trail of the Resistance between Trasta and Isoverde: a walk through history, nature and local stories. 🔧 A valley in transformation: Today the Polcevera Valley is experiencing a phase of urban and environmental redevelopment, with landscape recovery projects, nature trails and enhancement of its cultural resources. A resilient valley, which looks to the future without forgetting its roots. 👉 Tip: Visit the Parco del Ponte, Genoa's new green and cultural lung born under the San Giorgio Viaduct: a symbol of rebirth and community. Val Polcevera is a valley that resists and tells its story: among hillside vineyards, ancient churches and hidden paths, it preserves the rural soul of Genoa, a stone's throw from the city but far from the noise.