DESCRIPTION
To begin the walk, from the main square where San Antonio Abate Church is located, at a faded sign take a right turn into Sentiero Panoramico Cisterna. Continue straight until you reach a dirt path (about 5 minutes). Keep walking until you reach a fork in the road and another sign – take a slight left. Further on you come across 2 signs indicating Fiume Orta (10 minutes) and Punto Panaramico Cisterna (20 minutes)
Start of walk 1st sign – go slight left
If you take the sign to Fiume Orta (River Orta), the track is quite rocky and steep. You reach the river but you are unable to go further. Currently, swimming or entry into the river is forbidden . On the return, you can go continue to the panoramic track to the left, taking a small ladder. If you suffer from heights, it can make you feel slightly dizzy looking down. The path can get quite narrow but the views are spectacular of the valley and river. Check to see if this walk is currently open.
signs forbidding entry into river ladder for panoramic path along panoramic path
STARTNG POINT: Main square in Bolognano
END POINT: River Orta or Panoramic Walk
TRAVEL TIME: To River Orta 30 minutes circa/Panoramic walk 45 minutes circa
LENGTH: circa 3km
DIFFICULTY Italian Alpine Club rating: E – Escursionistico (Hiker – Intermediate)
POINTS OF INTEREST:
River Orta is a tributary of the Pescara River that flows into the Adriatic Sea. La Cisterna has always been a favourite local spot particularly in the summer for swimming. However in the past decade, increased tourism has caused damage to the natural environment and in 2018, there was a landslide and the river path to La Cisterna was closed.
Before or after the walk you can explore the historic centre of Bolognano
WATER FOUNTAIN: A water fountain is located in Sentiero Panoramico La Cisterna, however bring water as the fountains are not always in use
RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR: All year round. Not recommended after heavy rains or in hot midday summer sun
MORE INFO: A9 – Valle dell’Orta: sentiero panoramico (parcomajella.it)
Valley of Orta views River Orta
