The Paths of Odalengo Piccolo — Inauguration of the San Michele Section

A journey between heaven and earth in Monferrato

In the small town of Odalengo Piccolo, tucked away in the hills of the Lower Monferrato in the Province of Alessandria, an event comes to life that unites the spiritual dimension of pilgrimage with the contemplative wonder of stargazing. The occasion is the inauguration of the local section of the San Michele Path, an ancient devotional route that crosses Piedmont, connecting sites dedicated to the Archangel's cult, from the Sacra di San Michele in the Susa Valley to the gentle heights of Monferrato.

Inaugurating the new section

The highlight is the unveiling of the Odalengo section, now enhanced with a new rest area designed to welcome hikers and pilgrims. The municipal administration has prioritized accessibility and inclusion: key features include a wooden handrail to assist visually impaired visitors, descriptive panels with Braille translations, and multimedia benches, alongside a stabilized Green TAB surface that makes the trail safer and more durable. The project is supported by the Province of Alessandria.

Faith, song, and tradition

The day begins in the afternoon with an outdoor mass celebrated at the memorial stone dedicated to Cesare Triveri, which is reached on foot by members of the Casale Monferrato C.A.I. section as they traverse a portion of the path. Following the service, the voices of the Compagnia dij Cantor di Ferrere perform a repertoire of traditional Piedmontese choral music, creating an evocative atmosphere that reflects the rural and devotional identity of these lands.

Under the Monferrato stars

The final part of the event moves to the Odalengo Piccolo Astronomical Observatory, one of the most highly regarded stargazing facilities in the hilly region. Admission is free, and observations are guided by experts from the "Cielo del Monferrato" Amateur Astronomers Group, who lead visitors on a journey to discover the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects, far from the light pollution of the plains. A reception concludes the evening, where the quiet of the hills and the clarity of the sky offer an unforgettable backdrop.

A territory to discover

The event is part of a broader effort to promote the Odalengo Piccolo area, which also hosts the "A Glimpse Between Heaven and Earth" festival during the same weeks, featuring nature walks, food and wine markets with local producers, and evening openings of the observatory. Visiting Odalengo Piccolo means discovering an authentic Monferrato, made of trails, vineyards, genuine flavors, and a sky that, thanks to its hilly position, remains among the most beautiful in Piedmont.