THE ULTIMATE SOLO JOURNEY: EXPLORE THE ANCIENT TRAILS OF THE ITALIAN REGION OF TRENTINO

The San Vili Trail: From the city to the mountain

The San Vili Trail, made up of ancient trails and a new cycle-pedestrian route, acts as a gateway between city and mountain. Covering approximately 100 kilometers, the trail was officially established in 1988 by the Society of Tridentine Mountaineers and follows the ancient route believed to be walked by Vigilio, Bishop of Trento, in 405AD. Ascend through the Giudicarie and Rendena valleys, alternating between cart tracks through fields, forest roads, panoramic ledges, and passages, journeying through ancient, lesser-known villages that provide a glimpse of Trentino culture and the opportunity to interact with locals.

The Piazza Duomo in Trento makes for an ideal starting point – where the Romanesque cathedral that houses the relics of the martyred bishop, and Patron Saint of the City, stands. Moving north, pass through the bastion of Sorasàss which leads to Valle dei Laghi, before continuing towards the southern slopes of the Dolomites of Brenta. The path also crosses through Vezzanese and Banale, ascends to the abandoned village of Iròn and reaches Passo Daone. From there, walkers will descend to the valley floor, reaching Carisolo and concluding the trek in Madonna di Campiglio by following an old road that was built in 1875.

The trail was restructured into two routes in 2013. The original “high” route of 110 kilometers is divided in five stages which boast more challenging elevations and are more suited for experienced hikers. The “low” route of 106 kilometers provides an easier option that is better connected to available support points can be split into five to seven stages. Like most famous long-distance trails in Europe, the San Vili Trail is credited and allows hikers to collect a stamp along the way.

Jacopeo D’anaunia Trail

The Jacopeo D’Anaunia Trail follows in the footsteps of 15^th century pilgrims who were spared from the plague epidemic of 1482. Connecting the Basilica of the Saints Anaunensi Martyrs in Sanzeno to the Sanctuary of San Romedio, the trail is separated into seven stages and is separated into two loops – a shorter three-staged loop that stretches 60 kilometers and a full seven-staged loop of 160 kilometers that passes through country roads, forests, apple orchards and farming villages.

The trail begins and ends in the religious heart of the Val di Non, the village of Sanzeno. It was here, in 397AD, that Saints Sisinio, Martirio, and Alessandro were martyred, having been sent by Bishop Vigilio of Trento to evangelize the populations of the Noce valleys. A safe route, the trail is fully marked with the stylized shell and yellow arrow symbol and is suitable for everyone. Some level of physical fitness is required.

The Rhaetian Path

Taking seven or eight says to complete, the Rhaetian Path takes you through the valleys between Tesino and Feltrino, following in the tracks of the ancient Rhaetian people whose presence once spread from Trentino to upper Vicentino, Bressanone, South Tyrol and all the territories between the eastern part of present-day Switzerland and Carnia. The route highlights the pre-Roman past of the city of Feltre and the Feltrino area and was designed by Francesco De Bortoli and developed by the Carpe Diem Social Promotion Association.

The Trentino Stages of the Rhaetian Path:

·         From Lamon (BL) to Castello Tesino - 22.9 km
This stage follows the presumed path of the ancient Roman road, Claudia Augusta Altinate. In Castello Tesino, the archaeological site on the hill of Sant'Ippolito features the remains of two Rhaetian houses carved into the rock.

·         Tesino Loop - 19.5 km
This stage takes walkers on a loop around the Tesino basin and through Pieve Tesino – the first village in Italy to form a Pro Loco and part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy since 2021. The town is also the birthplace of the former Prime Minister, Alcide De Gasperi. Walkers can also stop by the "Per Via" Museum, in the heart of the village, which is dedicated to the story of peddlers who traveled across Europe with their "casséle" filled with objects in the 1800s.

·         From Castello Tesino to Fonzaso (BL) – 25.5 km
The longest of the Trentino stages, this stage will see hikers trek along the ancient routes once travelled by shepherds with their flocks. They’ll pass through various landscapes and places of historical significance, like the majestic Grifone di Vaia on the Celado.

 The Suspended Lands Trail

Not far from Trento, discover Val di Cembra – a renowned and traditional vine-growing and wine-making centre. The "Cammino delle Terre Sospese" is a 90-kilometer trail that connects villages, hamlets, and traditional farmsteads in the Val di Cembra, a valley seemingly suspended in time. This route offers an authentic encounter with the identity of a land untouched by mainstream tourism. The trail takes walkers from one side of the valley to the other, repeatedly passing over the Avisio River.

Along the way, hikers will pass by historic villages with stone archways and ancient fountains, terraced vineyards supported by daring dry-stone walls, medieval chapels, castles, historic trade routes, small farmsteads, centuries-old rural homes and serene streams and forests.

The "Cammino delle Terre Sospese" is more than just a physical journey; it is a meaningful community project initiated by a group of dedicated volunteers to promote a more sustainable future for the valley and foster a spirit of active and welcoming community engagement.

For further information on the region, please visit: https://www.visittrentino.info. For further information on the trails, please visit: https://www.visittrentino.info/en/articles/trekking-and-hiking/slow-travel