Discover things to do in Arsiero: the Astico river, Forte Monte Campomolon, the Strada dei Stancari. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Arsiero?
The municipality of Arsiero borders to the north with Lastebasse, to the south with Posina, to the south-east with Velo d’Astico, to the south-west with Laghi, to the east with Lastebasse, Tonezza del Cimone and Cogollo del Cengio, to the west with Lastebasse and Laghi.
The Astico stream
In the karst depths of the Folgaria plateau flows a water labyrinth with over one hundred and thirty springs, whose waters are largely pure and drinkable. Springing from the dark dolomitic belly dominated by Mounts Sommo and Plaut, the crystalline source of the Astico has shaped over millions of years the steep and winding limestone rock walls overlooking the village of Pria.
If you are wondering what to do in Arsiero, this splendid oasis offers countless breathtaking views at any time of the year.
Forte Monte Campomolon
The mighty bulwark of the First World War towers over the eponymous summit that dominates the Tonezza plateau, the Val di Ferro and the Val Riofreddo. The construction of the military architectural complex, whose stone blocks are sprouting roots and tufts of grass, had begun in 1916 with the aim of keeping under control the plateaus of Lavarone and Folgaria, where Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf had erected seven reinforced concrete forts armed with gun emplacements on a front of about 30 km.
Remaining unfinished, the fortification was abandoned during the Battle of the Plateaus (May 15-July 27, 1916). Recently renovated, the structure is one of the most significant historical and natural landmarks of the Arsiero area.
Strada dei Stancari and Strada dei Carrettieri
The starting point of the itinerary is the parking lot in Piazza F. Rossi in front of the town hall. Proceed southwest on Via Caodilà. Walk along the asphalt road flanked by stone walls covered with climbing vegetation and leave to your right the two pipelines of the hydroelectric plant on the steep slope of the mountain, then, unless there are prohibiting signs, take the gravel road that winds along the bed of the Astico river.
The path enters the dense vegetation of ash, locust, and beech trees that cloak steep rocky slopes and offers fascinating panoramic views of the icy watercourse.
At the intersection with provincial road 81, turn left and after 170 meters turn right onto Via Riofreddo. Follow Via Riofreddo and Via Crosara for 800 meters, then cross the Rio Freddo and turn right onto Via Piaggio.
The path winds through the sunny valley enclosed to the east by the peaks of Neutra and Cavioio, to the west by the wooded foothills of Monte Aralta, and continues south along Val Riofreddo, skirting the charming villages of Valsondrà and Valoje.
Follow Via Piaggio for 550 meters, then, after passing a rural building, take the wooded path to your left that winds at the foot of Monte Cimone (45.81144882970094, 11.333579574425396).
Proceed along Via Valoie and Via Piaggio until you reach the small church of San Rocco. At this point, proceed east along the asphalt road and leave a rustic building to your right (45.8066319470669, 11.34172651064558). At the fork, keep left on the winding path that enters the woods and emerges onto provincial road 81.
Turn left onto the provincial road and keep right onto Via Perozza until you return to Piazza F. Rossi.
If you are wondering what to do in Arsiero and you are passionate about hiking, visiting this enchanting valley crossed by clear streams and framed by formidable rocky peaks could be just right for you!
