Chies D'alpago: Mountain Trails, Natural History and Culture

Chies D'alpago combines alpine trails with natural history, religious heritage and a local speciality. The routes lead to mountain points such as Forcella Antander, Cimon del Cavallo and Monte Teverone. At the same time, a natural history museum, disused mountain huts and a place of worship documented for centuries tell of the area's natural and cultural features. At Malga Illari, the Fiordilatte ice cream made there also adds a culinary accent.

Alpine trails between Casere, Forcelle and peaks

Alpine trail 979 begins at Casera Pian Formosa and leads to Forcella Antander near Bivacco Toffolon. There it joins trail 928. Trail 979 is classified as difficulty level E. This means that for your planning, not only is the route via individual terrain points traceable, but a specific difficulty rating is also available.

In the Chies d’Alpago area, alpine trail 924 runs from Casera Pal via Cimon del Cavallo to the regional border. It is classified as difficulty level EE. Alpine trail 931, which leads from San Martino–Degnona to Monte Teverone, also has difficulty level EE. The different starting points and destination areas give you several themes for planning your own tour, without having to combine the trails into a single route.

Another mountain route leads to Monte Messer. It begins near Casera Pian Formosa and leads to Forcella Antander before reaching the summit of Monte Messer. The stages help you form an idea of the desired mountain landscape even before your journey.

Natural history in the former schoolhouse

The Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Alpago is housed in the former primary school of Chies d’Alpago. The fish exhibition includes the Sanpierolo, a fish endemic to Lago di Santa Croce.

Mountain huts and religious heritage

Disused mountain huts now stand in the Malga Cate–Val Salatis area. They saved the autochthonous Alpagota sheep breed from extinction. The historical significance of the huts therefore lies not in their current use, but in their role in preserving this sheep breed. Those who view the mountains from the perspective of regional agriculture will find an aspect here that is directly connected with the area.

The cultural heritage also includes the place of worship now known as the Santuario della Madonna della Salute. It has been documented in official records since 1494. The church therefore has a history that can be traced back over centuries, reflected in its present name and documented past.

In 1783, Pope Pius VI granted the church a special indulgence. It was subsequently known under the new title “Beata Vergine della Salute”. This title is part of the historical development that connects the place of worship with its religious past. The year 1783 marks a clear point within the recorded history of the church.

Fiordilatte ice cream at Malga Illari

Malga Illari also adds its own distinctive touch. People from the valley and the province come there to taste the Fiordilatte ice cream made on site. This speciality adds a regional taste experience to the picture of Chies D'alpago, clearly distinct from the mountain trails, the museum and the historical themes. For your travel planning, this place can therefore be a culinary focus in its own right.

Further places to help orient your journey

Spert, Soverzene, Mel, Castello Lavazzo, Ponte Nelle Alpi, Cesiomaggiore, Castion and Arsié

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.