Gorzegno lies in a loop in the river, appearing just after a short tunnel bored through the rock. Its position means it is only revealed at the last moment, hidden away, almost as if it was on purpose.
This is the upper Bormida valley, a more secluded and quiet area, where the landscape narrows and squeezes the houses around the main road. And it is where “A Day of Fire” takes place, one of Beppe Fenolgio’s most powerful stories. Gallesio farmhouse, the marquis’ castle, the main square, the besieged house: all real locations from the book. Walking around the village, the pages of the book come to life. You imagine the gunshots, the carabinieri's orders, the excited voices, right up to the tragic epilogue: the protagonist's murder, after hours under siege, while the town watches helplessly. Literature brought to life before your very eyes.
The village retains its simple, traditional layout. The romantic and slightly ghostly ruined marquis’ castle dominate the skyline, along with the remains of the villages old fortifications. They no longer serve a defensive purpose, but continue to play an important part in defining the town.
Among the religious buildings, the Romanesque church of the Madonna della Neve stands out, with its simply, ancient lines that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The parish church adds another layer of history, while the small Renaissance chapel of San Martino, with its Greek cross plan, is a stunning example of ancient stone architecture.
