Updated September 2021
An ancient path spanning thousands of years of history from the first transhumance journeys to Romans to the more modern industrial links associated with the Montecatini Electrochemical plant in Piano d’Orta.
This path links Piano d’Orta to Madonna del Monte, both hamlets of Bolognano and is a path that was also important historically as a commercial link between the villages and further up to the mountains up to Passo San Leonardo.
STARTING AND END POINTS: You can either start this walk at Piano d’Orta and park near the supermarket or you can start in Madonna del Monte. The path from Piano d’Orta has a steady and slight incline up to Madonna del Monte.
TRAVEL TIME: 1hr 15minutes one way (if you do detour down to the river – add another 20minutes)
LENGTH: 2.6km
DIFFICULTY Italian Alpine Club rating: E – Escursionistico (Hiker – Intermediate)
WATER FOUNTAIN: In Piano d’Orta or Madonna del Monte
RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR: All year round. Not recommended after heavy rains or in hot midday summer sun
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WALK
Starting the walk at Todis supermarket, you will come across the remnants of the Montecatini factory (a Electrochemical plant) that was established here in the early 1900s and closed in mid 1960s. It was a major employer in the area and at its peak in the war years employed up to 300 people . Due to its strategic importance in the manufacture of military products, it was targeted during the two world wars. From 1943-1944, it was occupied by the Germans and was bombed 36 times by the Allies. Local people fled to the caves by the River Orta to take shelter from the bombardments.
Moving past the factory ruins, you the path takes you through beautiful views over the River Orta and the landscape changes from the plains to oak forest and limestone formations.
About half way up to Madonna del Monte, you can take a track that goes down to River Orta.
Arriving at Madonna del Monte you can also see the Chiesa Santuario di Santa Maria del Monte – with possible origins in 871AD then later used as a 16th century Franciscan monastery. During WWII, the monastery was used as an anti-aircraft post by Nazi soldiers and bullet holes are still evident. It is currently closed and under restoration due to damage sustained in the 2009 earthquake.
From Madonna del Monte you can return to Piano d’Orta or you can continue walking to the Grotta Scura Walk (only 5 minute walk continuing on a straight path onto Via Santa Liberata) and/or add a tour of the historical centre of Bolognano (a further 20 minute walk)
MORE INFO: A4 – da Piano d’Orta a Madonna del Monte (parcomajella.it)