The hamlets of Cetta and Loreto at the start of Triora

Park in one of the car parks in the village of Triora.

(S/E) Take Corso d'Italia, the only access road.
Shortly after passing the Museum of Witchcraft, the transition is immediate as you follow Via Roma into the heart of the town, where old stones, a few ruins and other houses are remnants of the past. At the two religious buildings, turn right and cross the square, whose floor is marked with the village's emblem: a Cerberus. At the corner of the church, turn right into the dark and narrow Via Camurata, then continue right along Via Vicolo Dho.

(1) At this crossroads: "Via Vicolo Dho - Via San Bernardino", a sign indicates "Loreto 1h05". Turn right

(2) Cross Corso d'Italia with caution and take the path opposite called Via San Bernardino. Follow the signs for the^14th-century Chiesa di San Bernardino, which you will soon pass. Follow the path called Anello di Loreto.

(3) At the crossroads, keep to the right. Follow the signs for "Loreto".

(4) The path crosses the hamlet of Loreto through the stone houses and ends at the "Santuario di Loreto" chapel, where there is also a monument to the glory of "Gugliemo". Turn left onto the road and then left again towards Cetta. Cross the Ponte di Loreto bridge with its spectacular vertical views. Continue carefully along the low-traffic road to Cetta. After a series of bends, continue 100 metres past the crossroads with the sign for "Case Goeta 1h05".

(5) Here, there are two options. For a leisurely stroll: continue along this low-traffic road to the hamlet of Cetta. Otherwise, turn right onto the path, which climbs steeply through a beautiful oak forest.

(6) The path disappears for a few metres and takes a different route from the one mapped out, ending on the Cetta road.

(7) When you reach the road, turn right towards the village.

(8) Continue straight on Via a la Chiesa to the Chapel of Saint Isidore to visit this picturesque hamlet.

(9) Then return to the crossroads.

Turn right onto the cement path leading to the cemetery.

(10) At the sign, turn left towards Ponte di Manta, following the blue markings. The path is lined with several oratories, some in better condition than others.

(11) At the junction with the blue markings, turn left for a few metres and continue straight ahead towards the valley.

(12) Cross the stream, the path branches off to the right and runs alongside a long wire fence. Continue to the stone bridge below.

(13) Cross this ancient bridge. A photo break is a must. Continue up the path, where you will soon find a sign for "Triora", the next destination at a fork you passed on the way up.

(3) Turn right towards Triora, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, and return to the initial fork.

(1) Continue straight ahead on Via Camurata.

(14) Turn left onto the very old Via Poggio, which is a paved slanting street and "in its original state". At the end of this street, turn left, pass under some buildings, then turn left again. Continue along this uphill street. Walk along the church square on your left below. When you reach Fontana Sorana, turn left and stay on the left to reach Via Roma. Turn right to reach the car park (S/E).

Hiking poles and shoes recommended.

Several water points along the route.

Triora is best known as the "village of witches ", a name that comes from tragic events between 1587 and 1589, when numerous trials for witchcraft took place, leading to the accusation and conviction of many women.

Visit the witchcraft museum at the entrance to the village. Opening hours are available online. Single entry price: €3

Triora's emblem: Cerberus, a multi-headed dog that guards the gates of hell to prevent the dead from leaving.