Gignese, located at an altitude of 700 m, offers the atmosphere typical of places where “Nature, History and Sport meet”. A network of dirt roads and trails for walking and cycling offers wide views ranging from the Po lakes to the peaks and glaciers of the Alps. In the historic centre there are two main churches, the first dedicated to San Rocco, built in the eighteenth century, and then the parish church of San Maurizio, built in the fourteenth century, but later reconstructed in the second decade of the eighteenth century. The town still preserves its ancient character, the typical structure of mountain or farming villages, as can be admired in the narrow and steep streets, in houses softened by arched arcades which rest over granite or serizzo columns. The two ancient villages of Nocco and Vezzo are also worth a visit. Within a short walking distance from the historic centre is the Sporting, with tennis courts and the 9 hole Alpine Golf Club.
UMBRELLA AND PARASOL MUSEUM
Founded in 1939, the museum in Gignese is the only one in the world devoted to umbrellas and parasols: more than a thousand umbrellas, parasols and handles are collected here. Photos of the first umbrella makers (the “lusciat”), the tools which were used in the ancient workshops and those that were carried on the streets of Italy and the world are exhibited in the area of the museum dedicated to the life of the umbrella makers. (Open from April 1st to September 30th).
