An alternative route for the Fourth Stage of the Monk’s Trail

I The Charcoal Kilns Path is a circular hiking route of approximately 13.53 kilometers that starts from S. Albano, follows a stretch of the Nizza stream up to its sources, passes through the village of Oramala, Pian del Re, then descends near the Oratory of San Giulio in Poggio Ferrato, reaches the "Acqua d'Uovo" chapel in Molino Cassano, the hamlet of Cassano Superiore, and ends back at S. Albano, where it began. From the parking area, after the S. Albano cemetery, you take the dirt path that runs along the banks of the Nizza stream. At first, you will encounter a sulfur spring, and later a brief detour leads to the "Partisan Cave," a cavern that bears witness to the dramatic moments of the Resistance in Val di Nizza. Returning to the main path, after a short distance, you arrive at the "Madonna del Turista" shrine, created in the 1970s by the Pavia sculptor Vittorio Grilli. When you reach the ford of the Nizza stream, the path continues along a route bordered by badlands—rocky walls eroded by the elements, creating a spectacular landscape. Further ahead, a small sulfur spring gushes, accompanied by a stone bench for those wishing to rest. After passing the Nizza spring area, you cross the "Eagle Path" coming from the "Castello di Verde" and leading to Oramala. Here, you need to take a detour and keep right until you reach a forest clearing, created long ago by humans to make way for the "Charcoal Kiln," a technique used to turn wood into charcoal, as explained by the plaques located on-site. Returning to the main path, you continue until you pass the ruins of "Riassa," then reach the provincial road Varzi - Val di Nizza. Continuing along the asphalt without deviations, you can quickly reach the village of Oramala, with its 11th-century castle. The ancient village, once classified among the most beautiful in Italy, and the Oratory of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 14th century, are also of tourist interest. Returning from Oramala on the main route, you can choose an alternative path that descends to Cassano Superiore. This section offers picturesque views of Oltrepò, including the Montalto Pavese Castle. Following the main itinerary, you reach the lower plain of Pian del Re, where you can admire various centuries-old chestnut trees of unique shapes and sizes. In the same plain, there is still a pit that was used to build the "buried charcoal kiln," another technique used by the charcoal makers to produce charcoal. Climbing to the upper clearing, you can enjoy the entire arc of the Apennines, with Mount Penice on the left, followed by Cima Colletta, Lesima, Chiappo, Pian dell'Armà, Boglelio, and Giarolo. The equipped area at Pian del Re provides an opportunity for a break. After resuming the walk, you descend until you meet the Health Path. A brief detour leads to the Oratory of San Giulio, one of the oldest in Val di Nizza. Continuing along the main direction, you reach the "Cappelletta dell'Acqua d'Uovo" in Molino Cassano, where a small sulfur spring flows, dedicated to the memory of Robertino and Valeria Schiavi. From the sulfur spring, via the "ciaplera," an ancient stone-paved path, you reach Cassano Superiore, the junction point for the previously mentioned path variant. From this small and charming hamlet, you proceed to the concrete bridge crossing the Nizza stream, then into the village of S. Albano, and after passing the church with its "voltone," you reach the starting parking area. Equipment: hiking boots, rain jacket, trekking poles, camera, binoculars, water. It is recommended not to light fires, not to pick flowers, not to leave waste, and to respect animals. Recommended period: all year round, except for hunting days. Information: Cultural Association Friends of Poggio Ferrato poggioferratoass@gmail.com www.amicidipoggioferrato.com Tel. +39 333.7318669

Museo riguardante lo studio e la valorizzazione del territorio

At the foot of the Piccole Dolomiti mountains, and surrounded by their wooded slopes, this is almost a mountain lagoon.

At the foot of the Little Dolomites, Lake Idro is lapped by wooded slopes. Perfect for sports, it is the scene of an incredible carnival

Mirabello Castle: A Must-See Landmark for History and Architecture Enthusiasts Just a few kilometers from the city center, Mirabello Castle is a fascinating site rich in history and architectural beauty. This ancient manor, deeply rooted in the Middle Ages, offers a glimpse into the past and remains a significant landmark in the region. Origins and History Built in the 14th century by the Visconti, rulers of Milan, the castle was originally intended as a hunting lodge and a strategic stronghold for controlling the surrounding countryside. Its history is closely tied to the Battle of Pavia (1525), one of the most crucial events in European history. During the clash between Emperor Charles V’s imperial troops and the French army of Francis I, Mirabello Castle played a key role—historical accounts suggest that the imperial headquarters were located nearby. Mirabello Castle is a fine example of medieval noble architecture. Although some parts have been altered over the centuries, the structure still preserves details that evoke its past, such as red brick walls and large Gothic windows. Its location within the Vernavola Park, once a Visconti hunting reserve, enhances its picturesque charm. The Castle is Currently Not Open to the Public From the "Lombardia Beni Culturali" Website: It is likely that the original layout of the castle was quadrangular, featuring an inner courtyard, an external moat, and a drawbridge at the entrance. However, many significant parts have been lost over time. The remaining structure consists of a two-story brick building, now used as a residence. One of its most distinctive features is a hanging balcony on the north-facing façade, supported by stone corbels, reminiscent of the courtyard of the Rocchetta in Milan’s Sforza Castle and similar to the perimeter balcony of the tower in Vigevano Castle. The original defensive walls, which once enclosed and protected a vast park spanning about 25 kilometers, have almost entirely disappeared. However, two of the nine fortified gates that provided access to the park still partially survive: Pescarina Gate, in the municipality of San Genesio, along the Vigentina road Torre del Mangano Gate, in the municipality of Certosa di Pavia Historical Notes Originally, Mirabello Castle was a small fortress probably built by the Visconti in the 14th century and later modified during the Sforza period. Most of the structure was demolished in 1857, leaving only one wing intact. The castle was directly connected to the Castello Visconteo in Pavia via a straight road, still recognizable today as the main route leading from the city to Mirabello. Situated within the vast "Parco Visconteo", which stretched from Pavia’s castle to the Certosa di Pavia, Mirabello was part of a grand Visconti complex that included the park, the Certosa, and urban developments. It served primarily as a leisure and hunting retreat as well as the residence of the park's captain. Today, the castle is undergoing restoration and is occasionally used for cultural events, but it remains an important historical landmark for the city of Pavia. The surrounding Vernavola Park is a favorite destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers, offering ideal spots for walking and picnicking. Location and Accessibility Mirabello Castle is located in Località Mirabello, in the northern district of Pavia, and can be easily reached by car or bicycle from the city center. Photo: FAI Fondo Ambiente Italiano

Historical/cultural tour of the Navigli Milanesi

From Manzoni to Stoppani: Lecco through the monuments