Hermitage of San Martino, from Carisolo

Access

From Milan to Brescia Ovest along the A4 motorway; follow the signs first for "Lago di Garda" and then for "Madonna di Campiglio". When you reach Val Rendena, park in the designated areas in the municipality of Carisolo.

Introduction

A very short and scenic hike that allows you to visit two religious monuments of great local tradition: the church of Santo Stefano, noted for its internal and external frescoes, and the hermitage of San Martino, unfortunately lost in its original structure and therefore rebuilt. It is located at the entrance to the well-known Val Genova, along a wooded path, overlooking the Sarca plain and facing the renowned peaks of the Brenta.

Description

From the parking areas, head towards the Vecchia Vetreria (old glassworks), where you will find the signs for Santo Stefano; the road winds its way between dozens of holiday cottages until it reaches a wooded area (the Carisolo chestnut grove). The road becomes cobbled and the route, winding its way through the fir forest, arrives at the rocky hump occupied by the church of Santo Stefano and the municipal cemetery: the building is externally frescoed with well-preserved 15th and 16th century paintings. Continue along a dirt track through the woods until converging on the Val Genova road at a loading yard of a granite (tonalite) quarry. From here a nice path starts, winding up the slope among the beeches and firs. As the view opens out over Val Rendena (the agglomeration of the municipalities of Carisolo - Pinzolo - Giustino - Massimeno), you reach the foot of a band of rocky slabs ("Spigolo di San Martino" rock gym, diff. max IV+ - apparently rather forgotten): a stepped footbridge leads to an easy but exposed ledge - handrail cable - which leads across to a small bridge over some small waterfalls. On the other side of the water, a few steep bends lead to the narrow terrace in front of the Hermitage. Beautiful views of the Brenta peaks and the valley floor.
Return along the outward route.

General information

Trail:
Signposts: -
Type of route: a/r
Recommended period:all year round in the absence of snow
Exposure to the sun: south
Exposed sections:equipped ledge