Starting from the centre of Villafranca, where you can make a visit to the splendid Baroque church of Castellamonte, you leave the main village first by crossing the main road and then the motorway through a subway. The first part of the walk runs along a dirt road parallel to the motorway itself, then continue until you get near to the Crocetta region and then head north, entering the Valtriversa area. The name comes from the Traversola stream, the main waterway in the valley, on the banks of which were numerous mills that were very important to the area's economy. At the Traversola stream, you can take variant 3A which connects to the Water road and then to San Paolo Solbrito. You continue along stage 3 and then go through the valley, crossing cultivated fields and small wooded areas until you reach the intersection with SP 10, from which you can climb up to the centre of Maretto, through a country road that leads directly to the centre. Maretto, whose name derives from the Latin word Meleto (a place characterised by the presence of apple trees), whose origins probably date back to Roman times, gave rise in the past to three distinct towns Meletum de Troya (Maretto), Meletum Roatum (Roatto), Meletum de Montafia (there being no remains of the latter). The most significant element of Maretto is the parish church, built in the 18th century and dedicated to Saints Maria and Michele. The church of the S. Croce, built in the 17th century and already the seat of the "Battuti" confraternity, is also of great importance. Passing through the old town centre, you continue until reaching the nearby village of Roatto, where the third stage ends. From here you can take variant 3A to the Via dei Santi and the town of Cortandone, or variant 3B. The history of Roatto seems to have never been involved in war episodes as many of the municipalities of the Asti area have been, and these events are reflected in its castle which over time has been transformed into a noble residence. The parish church of Saints Michele and Radegonda, dating back to the 19th century and built on the grounds of a previous ancient church, is also very significant. 

Source: Comunità Collinare Valtriversa
Itinerary code: VBR
Recommended period: All year round
Provinces crossed: Langhe Monferrato e Roero