San Nazzaro Val Cavargna: mountain trails, Zanghërlin and local history

San Nazzaro Val Cavargna combines mountain landscapes, regional culinary culture and local history. The San Nazzaro–Cima Verta route starts here and is classified as an EE route for experienced hikers; at the same time, the Via del Ferro passes through San Nazzaro. The town’s traditional product recognized as DE.CO. is Zanghërlin. Religious landmarks and local traditions add to the area’s history.

From San Nazzaro to Cima Verta

The San Nazzaro–Cima Verta route starts in San Nazzaro and is classified as an EE route for experienced hikers. It reaches Cima Verta at an altitude of 2,094 metres. Cima Verta is also known as Motto della Tappa. The ascent leads through a beautiful pine forest to Località Tecchio at an altitude of 1,300 metres. You can park your car nearby.

The Via del Ferro through Val Cavargna

Another route is the Via del Ferro. This themed hiking trail is 25 kilometres long, divided into four sections, and leads from San Pietro Sovera in Carlazzo, Italy, to Carena in Switzerland. The Via del Ferro passes through San Nazzaro, one of the villages in Val Cavargna located along the route. One section follows a paved mule track to San Nazzaro Val Cavargna and then continues along an asphalt road to Monti Revolè and Monti Tia.

Zanghërlin: a specialty from San Nazzaro

Zanghërlin is part of the local heritage and is San Nazzaro’s traditional product recognized as DE.CO. This distinctive dairy product made from cow’s milk is prepared primarily from ricotta, known here as Mascarpa, with salt and pepper. The mixture is shaped into a mound, sprinkled with more pepper and matured in a cool but not overly damp room. Zanghërlin is also known as Zincarlin and Sancarlin.

Church, historical traces and village traditions

The local history of San Nazzaro Val Cavargna includes several specific landmarks and records. The rectoral parish church of Saints Nazzaro and Celso was elevated to parish status in 1582. The O.A.F.N. Line is located in the municipality of San Nazzaro Val Cavargna at the foot of Pizzo di Gino. Below San Nazzaro Val Cavargna lies the Forni Vecchi complex, which may date back to the 15th century. A patronal tradition of San Nazzaro Val Cavargna consists of burning a ball during Sunday Mass. For several years, a group of friends from San Nazzaro has organized a summer dance evening with typical menus in Tegnivo, a mountain hamlet of San Nazzaro.

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