[9] The wooded area around the Pietra Ardena in the Middle Ages is said to have given refuge to Adelasia (or Alasia), daughter of Emperor Otto I of Saxony, and Aleramo, founder of the lineage of the March of Montferrat.

[10] The two, whose love was initially opposed by the girl's father, are said to have lived in those wild places working as charcoal burners until, thanks to the mediation of the bishop of Albenga, Aleramo was reconciled with his father-in-law.

[11] Historian Leandro Alberti, referring to the mountain by its ancient toponym Pietra Degna, brings in support of this legend the remains of a cistern that were located near the summit.

[1] One of the routes starts from the historic center of Garessio, reaching the summit after passing through the "Colletto di Pennino";[13] it is also possible to ascend from Colle San Bernardo.

The best known one is known locally as La Madonnina (or also as Madonna di Pietra Ardena); the first known ascent dates back to 1928 and was carried out by some members of the "Alpine Club" of Garessio.