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D10
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Antronapiana » Madonna della Gurva (Molini di Calasca)
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Initially this stage follows mule tracks and dirt roads. The climb towards Alpe della Colma however cuts through pleasant beech woods and affords magnificent views. The descent to Porcareccia is steep. The trail then continues along the bottom of the valley to Molini di Calasca.
Detailed route description
From the centre of Antronapiana cross the Ovesca stream and continue along the bottom of the valley on trails and bridleways (follow GTA signs) which are a good alternative to the road, which at times is not far off at all. After the hamlets of Locasca and Prabernardo comes the hamlet of San Pietro. Sticking to the valley floor the trail heads through Prato and after a short section of trail there is a fork and a GTA sign points the way to Alpe Prei. The trail climbs steeply through woods, winding rapidly upwards. Once past Alpe Prei the woods give way to pastures and the view opens out majestically over the surrounding peaks. At the top is Alpe della Colma, after which the trail heads down once more into the Anzasca valley. Initially the trail down is faint but after about halfway it becomes easier to make out, but steeper. It passes some pastures and continues to descend, through woods to Porcareccia at the bottom of the valley. Follow the SS549 road uphill for a time to Molini di Calasca. A trail with steps cut into it leads to the Shrine of the Madonna della Gurva, near which is the lodge for this stage.
(Regione Piemonte)
Natural and cultural heritage
Calasca Castiglione is a village built on the steep slopes that flank the Anza stream. The unusual architecture of the area can be seen from as far as the hamlet of Colombetti (the only hamlet to have remained unchanged over time), where the roofs are still made of the original piode (stone sheets). An unusual feature of local culture is the memory of the Milizia, the militia which was started during the war between Spain and the Duchy of Savoy with the aim of defending the territory of the Ossola valleys. The Militia uniforms were influenced over time by the changing fashions: first by the Napoleonic age and then by the Savoy dynasty. The latter version of it is the one worn on special occasions, during which those wearing the original costume take part in religious events such as the Feast of the Madonna della Neve, (Our Lady of the Snow), in whose name the shrine at Gurva was built.
(Regione Piemonte)
Useful topographic maps
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11 ~ IGC Domodossola e Val Formazza (1: 50000)
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10 ~ IGC Monte Rosa (1: 50000)
Useful guidebooks
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Camminaitalia, Carnovalini, Cannobini, Valsesia ~ CAI-TCI (ISBN 1995)
Last update : 2010-05-05
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6h35 |
14.6 km
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1500 m
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1910 m
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