Ferrata degli Artisti

Overview

The Ferrata degli Artisti, which traverses the Costa dei Balzi Rossi in the Ligurian Alps starting from Isallo, leads to the summit of Bric dell'Agnellino. Though technically eased by a generous array of stirrups and rungs, the route delivers a solid dose of adrenaline thanks to a 40-meter Tibetan bridge and a series of passages marked by very pronounced exposure.

Approach

The route begins from the hamlet of Isallo, near Magliolo in the province of Savona. After reaching Finale Ligure, head up toward Colle del Melogno, turning off at Gorra for Magliolo. From the village, near a church, take a narrow paved road descending toward the Isallo valley. Continuing uphill, the road turns to gravel at a farmhouse (watch out for low-clearance vehicles). After about two kilometers on this rough surface, you reach a barrier, where it's advisable to park. From here, proceed on foot along the forest track, first descending and then climbing, until a curve where you follow the red trail markers. These lead, past some simple equipped rock steps, to the start of the via ferrata in about 45 minutes of walking from the parking area.

Via Ferrata

The route opens with a vertical wall of compact rock, broken by a few slightly overhanging sections. The progression, though exposed, is made smooth and continuous by the dense succession of stirrups. Once past this first challenging section, a short horizontal traverse to the left introduces a new vertical wall, also well-equipped. The pace then becomes more dynamic, alternating between climbing on slabs and ascents on sloping ramps, until a rocky outcrop. Continuing along the right side of a short ridge, you tackle an equipped descent of 8-10 meters, which requires control. Near a pinnacle, you encounter the first escape route. Staying to the right of the pinnacle, climb it vertically up a narrow gully until you gain an exposed ridge, from which the Tibetan bridge becomes visible. Here the route splits: continuing to the right bypasses the gorge, avoiding the bridge, while staying left follows the exposed ridge to the suspended bridge. The bridge, about 40 meters long and fitted with rungs for footing, is quite swaying and represents the moment of greatest horizontal exposure. Once across, climb a short wall and tackle an exposed traverse to the left that allows you to round an arête-a key and spectacular passage of the entire route-before ascending its face. This brings you to a terrace. Continue over some easy equipped rock steps to a third junction: to the left, descending, lies the second escape route; to the right, you attack the final vertical walls before reaching the summit ridge. Follow the ridge to the end of the equipment in about 2 hours and 45 minutes from the start (3 hours and 30 minutes total). Continuing on the red-marked trail, you reach the summit of Bric dell'Agnellino in another 10 minutes.

Descent

From the end of the via ferrata, it's essential not to remove your harness. Proceed following the red trail markers to the left, descending a gully equipped with steel cables and stirrups in the most exposed sections. The environment changes dramatically as you enter the forest, where you follow the obvious trail that in about one hour leads back to the gravel road used for the approach. From here, retrace your steps, locating the turnoff for the start of the via ferrata, until you reach the parking area in about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the end of the route (5 hours and 30 minutes total).

Useful Notes

This via ferrata offers a remarkable panorama from the summit of Bric dell'Agnellino, with views stretching over the Ligurian Sea on one side and the Maritime Alps on the other. The technical difficulty is moderate, thanks to the abundance of stirrups, but exposure is pronounced in several spots, especially on the Tibetan bridge and the arête immediately after. The route is ideal in the shoulder seasons. For those looking to combine other activities, nearby you'll find the Ferrata Rocca dei Corvi (about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car) and, continuing toward Genoa in the direction of Crocefieschi, the Ferrata Deanna Orlandini.