St. John's Walk
A hike through the Vescovato trails and the witches' herbs in Carezzano
About St. John's Walk
A walk through nature, herbs, and history
The St. John's Walk is a nature and hiking event held in Carezzano, a small town in the Tortona valleys in the province of Alessandria, in south-eastern Piedmont. Organized by the Pro Loco of Carezzano, the event invites walkers and enthusiasts to rediscover the Vescovato Trails, ancient paths that wind through the local woods and hills.
Two routes for everyone
The initiative offers two alternative itineraries, designed to satisfy both experienced hikers and those looking for a lighter, themed walk:
- Hiking route: approximately 8 km long with a 360-meter elevation gain, following the Vescovato Trail.
- Herbal route: approximately 4 km long with a 200-meter elevation gain, dedicated to identifying wild edible, medicinal, and poisonous herbs.
Both itineraries lead to the Bric delle Streghe, a place steeped in memory where the Il monito delle fiamme (The Warning of the Flames) memorial monument stands.
The witches' herbs and the history of Carezzano
The theme of wild herbs is intertwined with a dark chapter of local history: it was on this very hill in 1520 that three women were condemned to the stake, accused of witchcraft by the vicar of the Bishop of Tortona. The walk thus becomes an opportunity to combine botanical knowledge of the area with the rediscovery of ancient traditions and legends of the Tortona hills.
Workshop and aperitif
Upon returning, the program continues with a theoretical and practical workshop dedicated to essential oils, titled from plant to still, led by the group's herbalist. The day concludes with an optional aperitif featuring a menu based on wild herbs and original cocktails, a convivial moment that highlights the spontaneous flavors of the territory.
A local event
The St. John's Walk represents one of the most cherished events in Carezzano's summer calendar, capable of combining slow tourism, environmental education, and the promotion of the traditions of the Tortona valleys. An ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of rural Piedmont.
St. John's Walk — edition 2026
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the St. John's Walk returns to Carezzano, with a meeting at 4:00 PM at the Società Comunale of Carezzano Maggiore (Via Vittorio Veneto 7).
Participants can choose between two itineraries: the hiking route (approx. 8 km, 360 m elevation gain) along the Vescovato Trail, and the herbal route (approx. 4 km, 200 m elevation gain), led by herbalist Renza Borello and botanist Simone Orsenigo to discover wild herbs. Both routes include the Bric delle Streghe.
At 7:00 PM, the from plant to still workshop dedicated to essential oils will be held; at approximately 8:00 PM, an optional aperitif follows with a menu based on wild herbs and original cocktails.
Programme St. John's Walk 2026
Program for Sunday, June 14, 2026
- 4:00 PM — Meeting at the Società Comunale of Carezzano Maggiore (Via Vittorio Veneto 7) and departure of the walks.
- Hiking route — Approx. 8 km and 360 m elevation gain along the Vescovato Trail.
- Herbal route — Approx. 4 km and 200 m elevation gain, led by herbalist Renza Borello and botanist Simone Orsenigo, with a stop at the Bric delle Streghe.
- 7:00 PM — From plant to still workshop on essential oils.
- Approx. 8:00 PM — Optional aperitif with a menu based on wild herbs and original cocktails.
Highlights St. John's Walk 2026
- Two guided routes: hiking (8 km) and herbal (4 km)
- Stop at the Bric delle Streghe and the Il monito delle fiamme monument
- Expert guides: herbalist Renza Borello and botanist Simone Orsenigo
- Essential oils workshop and aperitif with wild herbs
Prices St. John's Walk 2026
Practical information — St. John's Walk
How to get there
Carezzano is located in the Tortona valleys, in the province of Alessandria. By car, it can be reached from the Tortona motorway exit (A7/A21), continuing towards the hills. The nearest train station is Tortona, on the Genoa-Milan line.
Meeting point and departure
The meeting point is at the Società Comunale of Carezzano Maggiore, at Via Vittorio Veneto 7.
Registration
The walk and the workshop are free with mandatory reservation, specifying the chosen route. Reservations can be made via email at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +39 348 5118255 and +39 333 4510048.
Tips
Hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, and water are recommended. In case of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled.
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Where does it take place — St. John's Walk
Società Comunale di Carezzano Maggiore
Via Vittorio Veneto 7, 15051 Carezzano