A just-over-eight-kilometre hiking circuit with a huge amount to offer: from a historic lemon grove to unbeatable views from a sanctuary perched on a rock. The descent along Sentiero delle Operaie, leading to the ruins of a cotton factory, is panoramic
Nature, history and spirituality meet along an evocative lake and mountain path. In just over eight kilometres the Montecastello di Tignale path has a great deal to offer. The best gateway to the beauties of Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, a hiking loop which follows in the footsteps of the historic pilgrims making their way to the Madonna di Montecastello statue.
rom the Tignale port quay the path climbs to its true starting point – the historic but still operational Prà de la Fam lemon grove – with its unique fragrances. It then continues along a panoramic path between the lake and the rocks to the Oldesio olive groves, thereby rediscovering the area’s rural past. Here it is worth stopping for a break at Chiesa di San Rocco and, later on, at Chiesa di San Pietro a Gardola, simple and authentic religious buildings which prepare visitors for the climb to the spiritual heart of the whole route.
Climbing up in the midst of beauty
A climb broken by Cappelle del Rosario takes hikers to the extraordinary Santuario di Montecastello perched on a rock, with its enchanting views. This is a truly one-of-a-kind panoramic point which offers some of the most beautiful views of the whole of Lake Garda, with views ranging from Monte Baldo to the Sirmione peninsula. And there is plenty of beauty inside, too. The oldest part is the ground floor, while the upper floor is the church which hosts the Casa Santa, a small temple which dates back to the 9th century and contains a miraculous Giotto style Blessing of the Virgin painting. The building is also a record breaking one as it contains the largest ex voto in Europe, which dates to the 17th century.
Refreshed by this visit hikers then continue. The fittest climb up to nearby Monte Cas (779 metres), with its Great War fortifications, and the descent to Prabione also begins right here. A cultural break is also an option here, to Museo del Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, with its important nature collection and historic work tools. And, on the subject of work, the last part of this route follows what is known as the Sentiero delle Operaie – the path taken by the female workforce of the former cotton factory – which winds its way along steps carved out of the rock and a deep gorge to Campione del Garda, site of the factory from the late 19th century to 1981, a piece of history which can also be relived in this way.
The altitude gain and loss of the Montecastello di Tignale path is approximately 870 metres and it takes around four hours. It is for experienced hikers, but sections of it are also suitable for less seasoned walkers. Boat services are available for both the outward and return journeys.
