Route rich in naturalistic, historical and archaeological content. The itinerary moves from the oldest volcanic rocks, the porphyries of the Mancabrot ridge, to the younger marine-origin rocks of Monte Corona. Archaeological finds testify to the presence in these places since the early Bronze Age, and the presence of copper, lead and silver minerals suggests that mineral extraction began already in very ancient times.
Along the path there are 13 points of particular interest, the “stations”, where important naturalistic, landscape, historical and cultural elements can be observed. These stations are marked on the ground by wooden posts numbered according to information on the notice boards. Some short steep stretches require some attention, especially when going in the reverse direction to that shown. The low altitude and the thermophilic nature of the station allow visits for most of the winter season. It is a circular route that starts and ends at the civic centre of Valternigo, in the municipality of Giovo (information board, fountain and parking), at about 650 metres altitude. The path, rich in naturalistic, historical and archaeological insights, runs along various ridges covered by pine forests that make up the Mancabrot ridge and finally reaches the small and charming wetland area of the ‘Lac de Montesel’, located within the Bosco Maric (812 m). From the pond, the route descends to the underlying saddle of Pian del Lac, where another interesting swamp, orchards and meadows can be found, where deer and roe deer grazing are not uncommon. Through a scenic path winding through various crops you return to the starting point. The route is modest in length, about 4.5 km, with a contained ascent of less than 200 metres; it is therefore suitable for many, walkable at a comfortable pace, allowing for some stops at the information and panoramic points, in 2-3 hours, excluding any in-depth visits.
THE 10 RULES FOR HIKERS
As you can imagine, the passability of routes in mountainous environments is strictly related to current conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this sheet may have changed. Before leaving, check the condition of the route by contacting the hut manager on your route, the alpine guides, natural park visitor centers and tourist offices.
The route starts at the centre of Valternigo and initially follows the Mancabrot and Lac de Montesel naturalistic trail, crossing the entire porphyry Mancabrot ridge in the shade of an ancient pine forest. From this small blue plastered structure, following the path on the right, you climb the S. Floriano ridge where the eponymous small church stands, in its current form dating to the 14th-16th centuries. To the east of the building, from a wooden balcony, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Avisio gorge and the cultivated terraces of the Valle di Cembra. Continuing north, after the saddle hosting several centuries-old chestnut trees, you enter an Austrian black pine forest occupying the entire Mancabrot ridge. The path follows the undulations of the terrain up to the basin hosting the biotope “Lac de Montesel.” Continuing northwards, on a forest road, you descend from the large ridge leaving on the right the small ridges of Fornei and Fogolin which remind us that this area was once intensively exploited for mining the silver-bearing galena. Leaving the forest, you reach a wide depression known as Pian del Lac, where there is still a swamp with patches of hygrophilous forest. Upon reaching the dirt municipal road connecting Valternigo to Masen, turn right heading towards Masen. For the more willing, once you reach the La Croce delle Serre just above Masen, it is recommended to take the Mondagiò botanical path through an area affected by a dense network of pits (cadini), related to the oldest phases of mining extraction (12th century). From La Croce delle Serre, following the signs for Monte Corona, you face an uphill stretch along a mule track dug in a trench, and upon reaching the forest road, turn left towards Ville di Giovo. The forest road now descends towards the village of Ville crossing a beautiful beech forest. Leaving the forest, the road is paved and crosses a vineyard area with Müller Thurgau plantations, which in this region represent the altitude limit for vine cultivation (700-750 m). Upon reaching the village, the historical nucleus is crossed, passing next to the ancient tower of Castello della Rosa. The 24-meter-high tower consists of five floors and dates back to the 14th century. Leaving Castello della Rosa, you continue east following the agricultural road descending to Rio dei Molini and after crossing it, ascend the slope cultivated with orchards and vineyards until you reach the panoramic terrace in loc. Mur. The route develops along this ridge, then descends towards Valternigo, where you return to the starting point.
Trekking shoes, waterproof jacket, trekking poles, water, snacks and sunscreen.
