An easy itinerary which focuses on the historic frescoed churches around Arco, little known gems, the perfect walking tour for lovers of art and architecture.
This itinerary focuses on the historic frescoed churches around Arco which bear witness to the deep roots of the local faith. What we are dealing with here are chapels, little churches of outlying hamlets, and shrines which tell of a simple yet widespread faith, with close links to local rural tradition (to find out more about this theme we suggest the trail about Nago and the religious faith of the country people).
This is a loop along the banks of the River Sarca, on both sides of the river, and touching on Ceniga (municipality of Dro), San Martino and Bolognano. This area is part of the Sarca River Reserve, a nature reserve designed to protect the particular environments around the river.
So this itinerary invites you not only to discover the artistic treasures of the area but also to enjoy the particular landscape which is dominated by the river.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
As well as visiting the churches located along this trail you could also stop by at the church of San Antonio in Chiarano, which is one of the stages on the “Rilke Promenade”.
Some of the churches are not open to the public all year round but only during the summer months or on request, asking the caretaker for the keys. You should therefore check first whether the churches are open. For opening times and information: www.gardatrentino.it
The telephone number for the emergency services is 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Starting from the "Al Ponte" car park, take Via Caproni Maini and follow it for about 500 metres. At the intersection with Via Legionari Cecoslovacchi, you will find the little church of Sant' Apollinare. Continue on the paved road along the River Sarca in the direction of Ceniga. After about 3 km there is a signpost marking a detour for the hermitage Eremo di San Paolo, situated on the cliff beneath Monte Colt to the left of the trail.
When you get to Ceniga, cross the Roman bridge and continue as far as the next crossroads where you turn right until you come to the start of the cycle path for Arco. Continue along the cycle path as far as the bar in Moletta where you turn left towards the town. Cross the main road at the traffic lights and take Via San Martino. After about 1 km, follows the signs to the church dedicated to San Martino. Return to where you left the road and continue along Via Maffei until Piazza Ribbia in Massone.
Leaving the fountain behind you, turn into via Bezzecca and continue south towards the intersection with via Europa and the chapel "Cappella dei Sette Dolori", which was recently restored. Cross the road in the direction of the cemetery and then keep going, first along via Madonnina and then via Indipendenza to Piazza S. Rocco in Caneve, where you will find the little church of San Rocco, the patron saint who protects from the plague.
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Parking in Caneve (5 minutes walk to the town centre).
Paid parking: Foro Boario, near the bridge (Via Caproni Maini) or the post office (Via Monache).
This excursion is quite simple and presents no particular difficulty. However, we still recommend you to wear suitable footwear, a hat, sun screen and sunglasses. And be sure to bring water!