The walk that kicks off the season in the Monferrato hills, in the village where it all began in 1993
Walking the Monferrato... in Odalengo Grande is the stage that the Municipality of Odalengo Grande, a small village in the province of Alessandria, dedicates to the great Piedmontese series Walking the Monferrato. This is no ordinary stop: it was right here in Odalengo Grande that this successful initiative for local promotion began in 1993, and to this day, the village has the honour of often opening the season of walks through the Monferrato hills.
The walk follows an 8.5-kilometre loop that crosses the trails and roads of the municipal area, at the foot of Monfavato. The route, accessible to everyone, leads participants through woods, vineyards, and wide panoramic views of the Lower Monferrato hills, a landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most evocative points of the itinerary is the stop at giant bench number 113, one of the famous Big Benches that dot the Piedmont hills, offering spectacular vistas.
The walks are accompanied by a professional guide who explains the history, nature, and curiosities of the places visited. The Odalengo Grande itinerary is also part of the "Welcome to Odalengo Grande" project, designed to enhance the trails and natural heritage of the Municipality, and concludes with a return to the Parish Church in the heart of the village.
The Walking the Monferrato series was born from the collaboration between local municipalities, the Special Reserve of the Sacro Monte di Crea, and the Italian Alpine Club of Casale, with the patronage of the Il Monferrato newspaper. Each event highlights a different municipality and its natural and cultural heritage: in Odalengo Grande, the walk also becomes a moment of celebration and hospitality for the entire community, with the Mayor welcoming the walkers.
The beauty of this stage does not end with the walk: upon returning to the village, the Odalengo Grande Pro Loco offers all participants a rich refreshment featuring traditional Monferrato specialties, turning the morning into a convivial moment of meeting between residents and visitors.
A simple and authentic morning, perfect for those who want to get to know Odalengo Grande and the Monferrato while walking, far from the crowds and in touch with nature.
The 2026 edition of the Odalengo Grande stage took place on Saturday 21 March 2026, opening the spring calendar of Walking the Monferrato from the very village where the series was born in 1993. The appointment, originally set for Sunday 15 March, was postponed by a week due to adverse weather forecasts.
The walk, an 8.5-kilometre loop at the foot of Monfavato, started from Piazza San Defendente and was accompanied by guide Anna Maria Bruno, with a stop at giant bench no. 113. Upon returning, the Pro Loco of Odalengo Grande welcomed participants with a rich traditional Monferrato refreshment, while Mayor Fabio Olivero welcomed the walkers.
Guided by Anna Maria Bruno. Event postponed from 15 March due to bad weather.
Odalengo Grande is located in the province of Alessandria, in the Casale Lower Monferrato, and can be reached by car from the Casale Monferrato area. The nearest train station is Casale Monferrato, from where you can continue by car towards the hills.
The meeting point is in Piazza San Defendente, in front of the Town Hall and opposite the Parish Church. The walk usually starts in the morning; in case of bad weather, the event may be postponed.
We recommend comfortable trekking shoes, layered clothing, and a water bottle. The route, about 8.5 km long, is suitable for everyone.
Participation is free, including refreshments by the Pro Loco. For information: tel. +39 339 4718763, email [email protected].
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Piazza San Defendente
Piazza San Defendente, 15020 Odalengo Grande