This is a small rural centre in the Arroscia Valley. The town of Montegrosso dates back to the eleventh century: its history is closely linked to the nearby towns of Cosio, Mendatica and Borghetto, with which it shared its statutes from 1297 onwards. It fell under a number of dominions and in 1625 was sacked and destroyed during the war between Genoa and the Savoys.
The church of San Biagio dates from the fifteenth century, although it has undergone many transformations; the oratory of the Nunziata belongs to the following century. The municipal territory extends from the 400-metre altitude of the lowland pastures up to the 1882 metres of Monte Monega: in an area of ten square kilometres visitors will find a surprising number of landscapes. "Pian latte" was once of the most productive pasture areas in the hinterland, although pasture and agriculture are today limited to family needs.
However, the large number of summer visitors can still find an abundance of cheese and other dairy produce, especially in the summer pastures and the higher Alpine areas. Case Fascei lies at an altitude of 1300 metres and is made up of seasonal shepherds' dwellings, which have been reconstructed with local stone and according to ancient bricklaying techniques. Besides cheese, other excellent typical products are bilberries, raspberries, strawberries and mushrooms: there are special regulations for the picking of fresh woodland fruit.
Lavender cultivation is traditional and very widespread in this area; the chestnut museum that will very shortly be opened will have an external area with a charcoal kiln and a chestnut drier. A local chestnut festival takes place every October. A speciality called "sweet salami" is made with boiled chestnuts. "Raviole" is the best known local dish: this is ravioli pasta stuffed with wild herbs (nettles and spinach). The Arroscia waterfall is one hour's walk away from Montegrosso.
