Discover what to do in Valli del Pasubio (VI): the Strada delle Gallerie, the Cascata Brazzavalle, the Via dell’Acqua. Do you want to know more? First of all…
Where is Valli del Pasubio?
The municipality of Valli del Pasubio borders to the north with Posina, to the northwest with Trambileno and Vallarsa, to the south with Recoaro Terme, to the east with Schio, Torrebelvicino and Recoaro Terme, to the west with Vallarsa.
The Strada delle Gallerie
The Strada delle Gallerie is a complex communication route built in 1917 to connect the localities of Bocchetta Campiglia and the Porte del Pasubio pass.
With a gradient of over seven hundred meters, the centuries-old road allowed the transport of supplies sheltered from the fire of the Austro-Hungarian army.
The starting point is the parking lot at Bocchetta Campiglia (cost is 6 euros, in cash). If no parking spaces are available, the nearest parking is at Passo Xomo (45.77703441412732, 11.237681658758207). Unless prohibited, from here you can proceed west along the path that follows the slopes of the mountain, entering the lush forest vegetation until you reach the Baita at the entrance of the route.
It is forbidden to ride a bicycle on the mule track. It is advisable to bring water and a flashlight as the tunnels are not lit. It is also advisable to wear a safety helmet.
Honoring the creators of the imposing engineering work is the monumental entrance bearing at its top, in Roman numerals, the year in which the road was built that crosses the southern side of the colossal mountain massif, the Latin inscription ex arduis perpetuum nomen, meaning from difficult undertakings comes everlasting glory, the XXXIII company of miners and the centuries that worked tirelessly for nine months to make the enterprise possible, and Lieutenant Zappa, responsible for the project in charge of the works.
The road winds through a complex system of fifty-two tunnels that challenge the titanic mass of Pasubio for about 6 km. An adventure not recommended for those seeking a quiet walk, the route is quite demanding and special attention must be paid to slippery sections in the winding and dark stone corridors. The effort of the hike is however rewarded by the spectacular views of towering spires, steep walls plunging into the valley, the boundless and dizzying panorama of rocky ridges and wooded peaks that disappear into the horizon.
If you are wondering what to do in Valli del Pasubio and want to immerse yourself in a scenario steeped in history from which you can embrace with your eyes some of the most extraordinary landscape views of the Vicenza Prealps, exploring the tunnels of Pasubio will be an unforgettable experience.
The Cascata Brazzavalle
There are two paid parking lots near the waterfall, one in front of the Rifugio Balasso (where the parking meters are), both for campers and cars and caravans, the other along the provincial road 46 at the 11th hairpin turn (45.76024170752272, 11.194778509952888).
A stone’s throw from the Rifugio, the road leading to the charming natural destination is indicated by a wooden sign pointing towards Malga Prà.
The path goes into the dense tree and shrub vegetation following the course of Le Fratte, a lively stream that winds between large mossy boulders in the shade of the high intertwined foliage.
Anticipating the breathtaking view of the Cascata di Brazzavalle is the distant and relaxing roar whose sound intensifies more and more until it reveals, in all its majesty and power, the thirty-meter leap of the white, gushing and icy river that plunges from a white stone wall.
The Via dell’Acqua
You can leave your car at the Casa Di Riposo Penasa in Via S. Rocco, 1, 36030 San Rocco (VI), the Via dell’Acqua begins in Via Radera and runs for two and a half kilometers in the serene river environment of the Leogra. The walk is simple and light, ideal for those who wish to contemplate nature in complete tranquility. One of the most evocative landmarks of the route that accompanies to the picturesque hamlets of the Valli area is an ancient water-powered sawmill still in operation.
Centuries-old stone villages, silent and uncontaminated places lapped by a cold stream observable from small bridges and wooden walkways: visiting the Via dell’Acqua is certainly recommended!
