Route of geological and naturalistic interest, with long crossings through the forest on ancient mule tracks, and stops in pleasant villages; the presence of the Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Aiuto adds important artistic and religious content to the itinerary.
Cembra Tourist Office - Tel. +39 0461 683110 - info@visitvaldicembra.it – www.visitvaldicembra.it
THE 10 RULES FOR HIKERS
As you can imagine, the passability of routes in a mountain environment is strictly linked 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, inform yourself about the condition of the route by contacting the manager of the refuges on your route, alpine guides, visitor centers of natural parks and tourist offices.
The route starts from the parking lot at the Segonzano pyramids and climbs the steep but equipped path (excellent viewpoints) through the famous earth pyramids, towers with bizarre shapes carved by the erosion of fluvio-glacial soils. This path ends on a forest road cutting across the slope of the Dosso di Segonzano (European Path E5). The road, gently uphill, is pleasant and leads to the village of Quàras, quiet in a secluded mid-mountain clearing. At Quàras leave the E5 path to climb onto the high road and follow it through the forest towards the settlement of Segonzano. The road leads to the Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Aiuto, born as a chapel of devotion (capitèl, in Trentino), erected at the end of the 17th century and later remodeled into its current structure. A centuries-old linden tree shades and perfumes the quiet place. On the first Sunday of September, a crowd of devotees pays homage to the Madonna in this place. Inside there is a revered image of the “Madonna with Child”, oil painted on canvas by an anonymous artist in the last quarter of the 17th century. The return to the starting point is along roads and paths winding through the hamlets of Sabion, Stedro, Saletto and Piazzo, with the possibility to admire the ruins of Segonzano Castle (13th century). It is a medieval fortress recently restored by the Municipality of Segonzano and the Autonomous Province of Trento and currently used as a venue for major cultural events. Piazzo Castle, owned by the Barons of Prato di Segonzano, is known for the famous watercolors that A. Duerer dedicated to the manor and the Cembra Valley. It is also famous for being the site of a memorable battle against Napoleon's French troops in 1796.
Coming from the Brenner A22 motorway, either from south or north, exit at the Trento nord toll gate (distance from the toll gate 22.5 km), travel the S.S. 12 del Brennero northbound until the Lavis crossroads, then take the S.S. 612 Lavis - Castello di Fiemme leading to the Cembra Valley and the municipality of Segonzano.
Segonzano - pyramids parking lot
Trekking shoes, waterproof jacket, trekking poles, water, snack and sunscreen.