Rovaiolo has an interesting history. The village is actually divided into two parts: Rovaiolo Nuovo (New Rovaiolo) and Rovaiolo Vecchio (Old Rovaiolo). The latter is now an abandoned village consisting of a cluster of houses made of stone with typical black roofs that were built in past times. After World War II, Rovaiolo Vecchio was evacuated as it was believed that the erosion caused by the Avagnone stream could cause the village to collapse. The inhabitants were relocated and established the new village, Rovaiolo Nuovo. Since then, time has passed, but Rovaiolo Vecchio, although uninhabited, has not only survived without collapsing but continues to maintain the charm of the past, with its potato fields, earning the name Ghost Village. (Source: Proloco Brallo di Pregola)

Starting from Bocco (1072 m), a convenient forest road continues along the ridge to Corbesassi (3.2 km, 919 m). From here, follow the paved road leading to Ponti (4.4 km, 822 m). Continuing along dirt roads, descend to Lama (7.7 km, 508 m) and then follow the tracks leading to the Avagnone stream (8.7 km, 409 m). A short ascent will bring you to Rovaiolo Vecchio (9.4 km, 502 m), the ghost village.

Start: Frazione di Bocco - Brallo di Pregola
End: Rovaiolo Vecchio
Length: 9.3 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Signage: 131
Time to complete: 02:28 (hh:mm)
Recommended period: Year-round

PHOTO: OLTREPOLOMBARDO