9. Trento – Levico Terme

From the center of Trento, climb up to the Cimirlo Pass (730 m a.s.l.), from which the Valsugana opens up below us with its plain, its lakes, and the mountains that surround it.

The new stage starts from the Duomo: you go east. We face a climb and then straight on, crossing the Fersina torrent shortly after on the ancient Cornicchio bridge, dating back to the Middle Ages. After the bridge you face a steep paved climb with steps, which comes out on the provincial road. It flanks the Faculty of Engineering. (Cyclists continue to Povo: 1.2 km) You reach the underpass of the railway station, taking the tunnel and exiting upstream of the tracks. Finally we arrive at the fountain and the square of Povo. A path that, as soon as you leave Trento, climbs considerably: we will exceed 700 m. Cross Povo and then take Via delle Volpare (cyclists continue on Via della Resistenza up to Passo del Cimirlo: 2.9 km) up to Celva; continuing, you enter the woods and then on to asphalt: you thus reach Passo del Cimirlo (730 m above sea level). You take the sent. F, or “Giro della Marzola”, in the direction of Roncogno which can be reached by two different paths. Roncogno (grocer’s shop in the center of the town) was once a characteristic agricultural village (some interesting rustic porticoes which preserve the Trentino rural architecture of the past ). Going down, you pass under the Valsugana highway, the railway and cross the SS 47, arriving in Pergine.

You leave Piazza del Municipio towards the hill of the Castle along Via Gramatica, Via Rusca, Via al Castello, which you leave (cyclists continue up to the Castle: 1.5 km) to follow the pedestrian path. The Castle, privately owned until a few years ago, is now owned by a foundation set up by the citizens of Pergine. Inside: art exhibitions, guided tours and a restaurant. Under the Castle of Pergine there is a parking area. From here you resume your journey on a beautiful paved road and arrive on the SP 228. You meet the ancient Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, then continue towards Pozza. To the right is Lake Caldonazzo and you are back on the Via Claudia Augusta; you then arrive at the small hamlet of Ischia. After taking the SP 228, take path no. 1 which cuts through a beautiful wood: the Baruchelli Biotope is worth seeing. (cyclists continue on the road up to Levico: 5.2 km). From there you get to the equipped beach of Levico. Go up and shortly after you find the Parish Church of Levico Terme.

CONNECTION TO TENNA: history buffs are advised to take the panoramic walk “Strada del Sole” which leads to Tenna. At a crossroads is located (under the portico) the precious Roman milestone of the Via Claudia Augusta. You can reach the Austro-Hungarian fort (which can be visited in the summer). Skirting the fort on a small road in the woods, you arrive at an open space with the ancient little church of San Valentino and the few remains of an early medieval castle (a basic wall in squared boulders remains). From there you then go down to Levico Terme.