Zone: Earth Pyramids, Churches and Historic Trails

Zone between an Erosion Landscape and Historic Trails

Zone combines nature experiences, historic churches and trails through a distinctive erosion landscape. The Riserva Regionale delle Piramidi di Erosione di Zone was established in 1984, covers approximately 21 hectares and lies between 400 and 600 metres above sea level. It contains numerous earth pyramids with broad caps of resistant rock, formed through the erosion of an original moraine deposit.

Hiking on the Antica Strada Valeriana

A moderately difficult trekking route in the Piramidi di Zone nature reserve is 2.5 kilometres long, includes 160 metres of elevation gain and takes about one hour. North of the Zone cemetery, the Antica Strada Valeriana leaves the paved road and leads into the Valurbes along an old cobbled path. The section near Zone reaches Passo Croce di Zone at an altitude of 903 metres; several hiking trails intersect there, and the route continues into Valle Camonica.

The site of the archosaur footprints is located on Via Valurbes, along the Antica Strada Valeriana north of the town of Zone. It is approximately one kilometre, or around a twenty-minute walk, from the Zone cemetery.

Churches and Art in Zone

San Giorgio a Cislano dates back to the 12th century and is considered the first church mentioned in the area of Zone. The present building of the parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Zone was constructed between 1675 and 1680. The church is located in the upper part of Zone and houses works by Andrea Fantoni; its altars are considered an important link in the history of 17th- and 18th-century wood sculpture.

The church of Santi Ippolito e Cassiano was built in the 15th century and has preserved its original form. Its interior is completely decorated with frescoes depicting the Passion of Christ, the Evangelists and the Doctors of the Church. A ramp leads to the church, with eight small chapels along it. The eight chapels were built in the second half of the 20th century as votive offerings for peace.

A Walking Trail with Wooden Sculptures

The Bosco degli Gnomi in Zone is a walking trail with 44 wooden sculptures by local artist Luigi Zatti, known as “Il Rosso”. The trail begins on the outskirts of Zone and complements the town’s nature and cultural themes with an independent walk.

When choosing a hotel in Zone, you can consider whether to focus on the earth pyramids and trekking trails, the historic churches and their art, or a walk through the Bosco degli Gnomi. There is free parking at the Zone cemetery. When planning routes north of the town, you can use this area as a reference point.

Other Places

Paderno Franciacorta, Magasa, Colombaro-Timoline, Ponte Di Legno, Raffa, Corte Franca, Gratacasolo, Ome

To the higher-level travel overview: Brescia.