Merana is located in the upper Bormida Valley, close to the border with Liguria, in an area where the hills become higher and the forests thicker.
The village lies at the foot of the hills, as if snuggling in for protection. Nearby gullies and eroded features known as muriòn locally - a type of mushroom-shaped rock formation - give the area a distinctive character, interspersed with chestnut and hazelnut groves.
The quiet side of the valley
The village retains its simple, rural layout, one shaped by the agricultural and mountainous nature of the area. The stone houses line the main road, enjoying sweeping views that provide a warm and intimate welcome. It is a place that resonates tranquillity, a place in complete harmony with its natural surroundings.
Looming above Merana is the Tower of San Fermo, a place with long links to local traditions. It stands on high ground, in a clearing in the forest. Next to the tower is a chapel also dedicated to San Fermo, its dominated, isolated position making it both a spiritual and visual stronghold.
From this vantage point there are wonderful views over the surroundings hills, while the wind ruffles the grass and the branches of the chestnut trees. Getting to the tower helps you to understand the site’s defensive function, the geology of the badlands, and the vastness of the Bormida valley.
