Sentiero della Pace 25: Monte Rovere to Caldonazzo

<p>An easy transfer stage, leaving the highlands behind to head down into Valsugana. It’s worth considering a visit to the Austrian military museum of Slaghenaufi and the Respiro degli Alberi (Breath of the Trees) artistic trail. </p>

<p>From the Monte Rovere hotel, take the asphalt road north, keeping right at the fork in the road shortly afterwards. Next, take the forest road to the left and follow it through the woods, as it rises slightly. At the crossing with trail 223, it’s worth making a detour to visit the Austrian military cemetery at Slaghenaufi, with information boards and a votive chapel outside. Inside lie the remains of over 700 of the fallen, each marked with a wooden cross: it is an undeniably moving site.  </p> <p>Back at the crossroads, rejoin trail 223 — still a simple forest road — before switching to 224 (alternatively, if you’re interested in a short-cut, you can switch here to the forest road that runs along the southern slopes of Monte Cimon, cutting out about 4 km of the Path of Peace by the time you rejoin it). You’ll pass the hamlet of Stèngheli and, shortly afterwards, find yourself on the “Breath of the Trees” land art route, which boasts numerous wooden works of art dedicated to trees. Next, just to the west of the Dosso del Monco hill (right before the short-cut described above rejoins the route), the forest road turns into a trail and you’ll get your first glimpses of Valsugana below.  </p> <p>You’ll make your way easily downhill along this simple path, with an excellent view of Lake Caldonazzo. You’ll cross paths with trail 225, which cuts out some of the remaining twists and turns. The trail turns back into a forest road here, and into an asphalt road further down. Once on the valley floor, take the bridge over the Centa river and, shortly afterwards, make your way into the charming historic centre of Caldonazzo. </p> <p>Please Note: After 9.9 km of the trail (where the long descent into Caldonazzo begins), those who still have energy to burn can take trail 222 on the right to conquer Monte Cimon. From the summit, trail 225 descends 600 metres very steeply to rejoin the original track. This detour offers some remarkable views of Valle dei Laresi, but the descent should be considered “EE” in difficulty, due to the steepness and the slippery ground.  </p>