Discover what to do in Caltrano: The tour of the Malghe, Bocchetta Paù, the thanksgiving and agriculture festival. Do you want to know more? First of all…
Where is Caltrano?
The municipality of Caltrano borders to the northeast with Asiago, to the northwest with Roana, to the south with Chiuppano, to the southwest with Piovene Rocchette, to the east with Asiago and Calvene, to the west with Roana and Cogollo del Cengio.
The tour of the Malghe
The tour of the Malghe is a charming ring trail on dirt and paved roads that unfolds for about 14 km, accompanying visitors to discover the pastures of the Bregonze, a vast hilly and mountainous area separated from the southern slope of the Asiago plateau by the clear torrential course of the Astico.
The recommended starting point for the panoramic itinerary is the large parking lot of the Rifugio Bar Alpino di Pozza (45.81321912696183, 11.469114357978405) surrounded by the boundless forest area where tall firs with dense, prickly foliage tower.
The nature trail crosses gentle grassy slopes shining in the sun, used for grazing between June and October. Characterized by a mild climate, fresh and pure air, the pleasant pastoral areas are distinguished by an almost unreal quiet for those used to the noisy hustle and bustle of big cities, a dimension where time seems to have stopped, whose silence is interrupted by the hypnotic chirping of crickets and the echo of cowbells from mooing cows.
The first stop of the itinerary is the serene locality of Lovarezze, framed by the dense crown of beeches and firs from which comes the balsamic aroma that the wind spreads through the sharp branches. From the green and bright slopes that surround the stone building, you can contemplate the plain dotted with the roofs of houses that form like mosaic tiles the urban centers wrapped by cultivated fields and hedges where poplars, acacias, and willows merge as dark spots.
On particularly sultry summer days, the distant rural scenery appears obscured by a thick haze that creates the illusion of being suspended on top of an island that overlooks the faded valleys that disappear on the horizon.
Passing through Passo della Pianetta, one of the highest points of the route, at 1397 meters above sea level, you will reach Malga Fondi. The place is characterized by meadows dotted with buttercups and white rocks where livestock is taken for alpine grazing between May and September.
At Malga Serona you can refresh yourself in a refreshment area managed by young farmers whose passion and hard work have enhanced and safeguarded the landscape, wildlife, and gastronomic heritage of the territory, based on the delicate balances that link biodiversity, climate healthiness, and respect for nature.
Dotted with vibrant gentians, Malga Foraoro offers spectacular views of the towns of Chiuppano and Piovene Rocchette nestled at the foot of Monte Summano.
At this point, you are about halfway through the hike. One of the most distinctive and fascinating aspects of Malga Sunio are the daffodils that bloom and blossom in the spring season, covering its steep slopes.
From Malga Sunio, proceed towards Malga Paù, one of the most fascinating destinations of the excursion, where there is a circular and crystal-clear water mirror where livestock and donkeys drink.
At 1286 m a.s.l., Monte Paù is one of the highest peaks you will encounter during your adventure, a short distance from which, at Bocchetta Paù, stands a rocky height surmounted by the shiny metal stele of the Madonna dei Crauti, from whose dominant position you can embrace with your gaze Cima Summano, Monte Priforà, and the majestic peaks of the Pasubio chain.
Harmoniously set in a fairy-tale and uncontaminated atmosphere, the former Malga Carrioletta and Malga Carriola are the last landmarks of the splendid journey to discover the places of transhumance among the hills of the Vicenza foothills.
Thanksgiving and Agriculture Festival
The Agriculture Festival takes place every year in the first half of October with the aim of promoting the traditions that for centuries have linked the quiet and humble farming community to work in the fields and artisanal activities that marked the daily life of the population before technology, originally the domain of manual skills and practical intelligence born of experience and attention, was replaced by more modern and efficient mechanization processes.
Open-air fruit and vegetable markets, food and wine specialties including tasty meat and cheese dishes to be savored in large dining areas, workshops to become familiar with the ancient crafts of our ancestors, from forestry to animal husbandry, the event also includes farm animals including adorable donkeys.
If you are wondering what to do in Caltrano and want to take a dive into the past by participating in a village fair with live music and delicacies of a fertile and pleasant land, the thanksgiving and agriculture festival might be just what you are looking for!
