Trail on monte Prato Fiorito and along the "via dei pastori"

"Controneria" is the term used to refer to the small towns that arose on the orographic right of the Lima stream. A land rich in historical evidence and architecture such as the fine Pieve di San Cassiano in Controne, while the landscape is solemn with ridges, peaks and gorges that in spring are filled with colorful and rare floral species.

We will travel along the beautiful high shepherds' path through the stone houses of the hamlets above San Cassiano, in a majestic "dolomite" type environment that will accompany us to the spectacular summit of Monte Prato Fiorito, amid incredible views of the high peaks of the Apennines.

Pieve di San Cassiano brief history notes:

A document from 722 already attests to its existence. That document drafted under the reign of Desiderius, the last Lombard king, is a "charta promissionis" by which Ursiperto cleric, being appointed rector of the Church of San Cassiano, promises, among other things, obedience to the king. The time of its construction dates from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. 

The building has a basilical plan with three naves divided by columns and pillars and a wooden truss roof. On the facade, of particular importance is the relief of the lunette above the portal, in which three human figures are represented: the central one, larger than the others, has its arms raised in a sign of prayer, the others, to the side, have their arms raised and each rests a hand on the arm of the first. According to one interpretation, these bas-reliefs depict Moses praying during the battle against Amalek.

In this proposal we will have a chance to visit:

• The Pieve di San Cassiano in Controne
• The stone houses of Vizzata and Cappella
• The "via dei pastori"
• The jumps, rocks and environment of the Lima Valley
• The blossoms and legends of monte Prato Fiorito
• The 360° views of the peaks of Rondinaio, Monte Giovo, Tre Potenze, the peaks of the Lima Valley

The tour will take place on Sunday, May 7, starting at 9:30 am.