Discover what to do in Borgo Valbelluna in Province of Belluno: the Rimonta ponds, Zumelle Castle, the Blue Grotto. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Borgo Valbelluna?
The municipality of Borgo Valbelluna borders north with Santa Giustina, to the northeast with Sedico, to the northwest with Cesiomaggiore, to the south with Follina, to the southeast with Cison di Valmarino and Revine Lago, to the southwest with Miane and Valdobbiadene, to the east with Limana, to the west with Feltre and Quero Vas (Setteville).
Hike in Borgo Valbelluna
The starting point of the itinerary is Piazza Lentiai Crivellaro, in the historic heart of Borgo Valbelluna. In front of you is the south side of the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. Turn right into Via dei Martiri and head east, passing the lovely Piazza Chamarande, framed by charming period buildings and three horse chestnut trees rising beside a characteristic terraced house.
The Rimonta ponds
After crossing the Rimonta stream, turn left and follow Via Bardies until you reach the entrance to the nature trail of the Rimonta ponds.
The pleasant circular route winds for 2.5 km among alders, firs, walnut trees, poplars, willows and many other lush plants, lapped by clear pools created by the confluence of the Piave River and the stream of the same name.
The splendid lakeside panorama is dotted with wooden sculptures depicting giant worker ants, meticulous scale reproductions of mushrooms shaded by the canopies of maples and ash trees, a huge spider busy weaving its web, legendary sea serpents and other creatures from the natural and folkloric world that inhabit this fairy-tale setting.
After your visit to the oasis, retrace Via Bardies to the junction with the provincial road 1, turn left and continue for about 100 meters, then turn left again, keep going along Via Bardies for almost 300 meters and cross the bridge over provincial road 1 on your right. Bordered by dry-stone walls and flourishing cherry trees, the route follows Via Bardies and Via Corte through bright wooded slopes and elegant farmhouses. Pass the village of Corte and continue towards the village of Tallandino, where the ancient church of Santi Vito, Modesto e Crescenzia is located. At this point, head east along Via Corte, Via Rive di Villa and Via Loreto to reach the center of Villa di Villa.
Zumelle Castle
At the junction between Piazza Indipendenza and Via Castello di Zumelle, turn right towards Tiago and continue for 1 km, heading into the serene landscape of the middle Piave valley overlooked by the Dolomites and the Belluno Prealps.
At the fork, keep left, then after 200 meters keep left again and continue for 1.2 km following the gentle ups and downs of green wooded hills. Once you reach the church of San Donato, turn left to reach the parking area of Zumelle Castle.
Located in Via San Donà, 4, the imposing fortress stands on top of a hill lapped by the Terche stream and dominates the valley below with its formidable mass.
Dating back to Roman times, this jewel of military architecture is the ideal setting for lively events such as the Fiera della Perdonanza, a must-see for anyone wondering what to do in Borgo Valbelluna. During this exciting historical reenactment, the mighty stronghold and the lush park surrounding it come alive with musicians, acrobats, artisans, ladies and knights in vivid medieval clothing and armor, guiding visitors into a fairytale atmosphere suspended in time.
The Blue Grotto
To reach the final stop of the route, follow the dirt path that starts from the Zumelle Castle parking area and winds into the dense woodland until it comes out onto Via Tiago. Turn right and go downhill for about 70 meters until you find, on your left, the start of the roughly 2 km trail leading to the gorge of the Rui stream.
A landmark for hiking enthusiasts wondering what to do in Borgo Valbelluna, the deep natural cavity is overlooked by steep layered rock walls and fed by bubbling waterfalls that plunge into the crystal-clear pool, whose brilliant turquoise and emerald green reflections make this place one of the most striking and photogenic destinations along the itinerary.
