Cornaleto is a small and charming hamlet in the municipality of Santo Stefano d'Aveto, located in the lower part of the valley along the course of the Gramizza river, a tributary of the Aveto, and on the border with the territory of Rezzoaglio.
Today the village is inhabited by just a few households, but it retains an ancient and lively history: in the past, in fact, it was a very busy center, characterized by a strong youth presence and a large community. Some historic homes, including a large house built by emigrants returning from America, bear witness to a past of social vibrancy, with spaces dedicated to gatherings and community evenings.
The origins of the village date back at least to the 17th century, with buildings that belonged to historic families of the area. Local life has always been tied to agriculture and cattle breeding, with a strong tradition of dairy production and commercial trade with the Ligurian Riviera.
An element of historical interest is the Cornaleto Bridge, built in 1825 out of stone with a single span, which still connects the two banks of the Gramizza river today along the ancient connection route between the villages of the valley.
Cornaleto is the birthplace of figures connected to the community life of the valley and still preserves a small, active agricultural community, represented by the Cella Andrea Farm, which continues the tradition of land cultivation and livestock farming, keeping the connection with the land alive.
Despite its small size, Cornaleto represents a precious example of a rural village in the Val d'Aveto, where history, nature, and agricultural tradition intertwine in an authentic way.