This route follows the route of the “4 Chiese Trail,” a trail running (mountain running) event in the Ligurian foothills of the Alps, starting in Verzi di Loano, in the Savona area.

Developed over 17 km and 1,200 meters of positive elevation gain, the route owes its name to the four churches touched: Santa Maria delle Grazie, San Martino, Santa Libera and the Chapel of the Visitation.
Placed between the maritime municipality of Loano and the Ligurian Alps, the itinerary offers glimpses and breathtaking views, particularly at the Pian delle Bosse, the highest point of the trail, from whose grassy knoll there is a sweeping view of the Ligurian Sea, even glimpsing the outline of Corsica on clear days.

Technical description:
The starting point is the Former Verzi Schools. Following the short stretch of asphalt road to the first of the churches, Santa Maria delle Grazie, take a path that leads onto a dirt road and then shortly to the Church of San Martino.

Past the church, the trail continues northwest until it crosses the path leading to the Pian delle Bosse Shelter (km 5.5), then descends southwest to the Avio Rock and from there to the Chestnut parking lot.
Near the parking lot, take a steep path past Cascina Banca back toward Verzi: after a short stretch of cemented farm road, a new path allows you to cross the creek to the south and reach the ascent that leads to “Cian Luaio.” A steep gravel path and a short section of gravel road lead to Via Santa Libera, a dirt road that passes in front of thechurch of the same name and continues all the way back to Verzi.
The last section of the route goes through the village, passing the Chapel of the Visitation and closing the loop.

Route type: loop
Length: 17 km
Height difference in ascent: 1200 m
Downhill elevation gain: 1200 m
Highest point: 852 m
Lowest point: 140 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Municipality of departure: Loano
Place of departure: Verzi di Loano
Municipality of arrival: Loano
Place of arrival: Verzi di Loano

Recommended period:
from April to October

Useful links:
http://4chiesetrail.teamkmp.it