Discover what to do in Ferrara di Monte Baldo: the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, a hike to Ferrara di Monte Baldo, the Tibetan bridge over the Vajo dell’Orsa. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Ferrara di Monte Baldo?
The municipality of Ferrara di Monte Baldo borders to the north with Avio, to the south with Caprino Veronese, to the east with Brentino Belluno, to the west with Malcesine, Brenzone sul Garda and San Zeno di Montagna.
Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona
Located at Vicolo Santuario, 1, in the locality of Spiazzi, the church stands on the eastern slope of the Monte Baldo range, whose steep rocky walls to the east border the deep gorge known as the Vajo dell’Orsa.
Perched at 775 meters above sea level, the sanctuary features a neo-Gothic double-pitched facade, beside which rises a square-based bell tower crowned by a sharp spire.
If you are wondering what to do in Brentino Belluno, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona represents one of the most extraordinary spiritual and cultural landmarks of the Veneto region, both for the refined architecture that distinguishes the place of worship and for the peculiar position of the church itself, clinging to the overhanging side of the mountain from which you can gaze upon the breathtaking landscape of the Valdadige, a verdant expanse of meadows punctuated by sun-drenched vineyards and dotted with ancient stone villages, overshadowed by the colossal wooded mass of the Lessini Mountains.
How to reach the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona?
Starting from the parking lot in front of Tavernetta del Baldo (45.64796229589351, 10.852319483190378), head south slightly downhill for a few meters, pass the restaurant La Lanterna and turn left, skirting the paved square in the center of which stands a charming fountain, then turn left again onto the path in the Gabbiola area that leads to the sanctuary.
Hike to Ferrara di Monte Baldo and Brentino Belluno
The starting point of the itinerary is the parking lot in front of Tavernetta del Baldo at Via Centro, 13. Cross the SP8, take Via Graziani (near L’OstAria – Bar Food & Beverage) and continue uphill in the Croce area, in the shade of firs, maples, wild cherry trees and cypresses, until you find, on your left, the beginning of the Preelle trail.
The path follows the slope of the hill dotted with conifers and crosses a bright grassy area until it reaches the summit of the mountain, at 1010 meters above sea level. From the privileged position of the peak, crowned by a stone cross, you can gaze upon the fascinating panorama of the steep wooded slopes that enclose the Vajo dell’Orsa to the east.
The grassy trail emerges onto provincial road 8 dir (45.666494137324236, 10.849299659644469). At this point, continue north for just over 250 meters and take the dirt path on your right that leads to the church of Madonnina del Bosco. The next stop is the picturesque village of Castelletti surrounded by green hills.
From Malga Orsa to the Tibetan bridge over the Vajo dell’Orsa
The itinerary plunges back into greenery along the Sentiero dell’Amore (Path of Love) and, after crossing a clear stream, leads to the center of Ferrara. Proceed east along Via IV Novembre, then at the intersection with the provincial road turn right and head south for about 70 meters. Cross Piazza Generale A. Cantore on your left, cross the pedestrian crossing and take the road that flanks the town hall. After about 300 meters, at the first hairpin bend, follow the path that winds south, crosses Malga Orsa and leads to the Tibetan Bridge, from which you can admire the spectacular waterfalls of the Vajo dell’Orsa.
Continue south along the rocky side of the mountain and follow trail 73 to reach the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. After visiting the place of worship, the route proceeds southwest through a series of switchbacks and stairways carved into the rock, then returns to the starting point via the Gabbiola area.
