Soverzene between ecclesiastical art and mountain trails

Soverzene appeals to travellers who want to experience Italian culture not separately from the landscape and outdoor activity. Ecclesiastical art, technological history, historic paths and alpine pursuits offer different ways to discover the area. This allows you to shape your stay according to your interests, alternating between quiet contemplation, local history and active time in the mountain landscape.

Ecclesiastical art and religious sites

The present-day Church of San Lorenzo Martire was built from the 18th century onwards on the site of an ancient temple, documented as early as 1425. Inside the church is a tempera painting of the Assumption of Mary, attributed to the painter Girolamo Moech (1792–1857), who came from Belluno. Also noteworthy is the monumental wooden altar from the original church. It is attributed to the school of Auregne, was carved in 1626 and gilded in 1633.

The Grotta della Madonna di Lourdes was built between 1910 and 1911 and inaugurated on 16 July 1911. In 2011, structural and architectural restoration was carried out on the occasion of its centenary. Important when planning for different mobility needs: the grotto is accessible at ground level, but there are three steps at the entrance; no ramp for people with disabilities is available.

Mills, lime and hydropower

The Mulino dei Savi is a historic mill dating from the 18th century, where local grains, especially corn for producing polenta flour, were milled. Water from the nearby Val Pora was channelled to the mill through an 86-metre-long supply canal; a 9-metre drop powered the mill wheel. Access is via an unpaved path, and the entrance is not suitable for wheelchairs.

La Calchèra is a historic lime kiln of ancient origin. The lime produced there was used as mortar for constructing and plastering buildings, as well as for disinfecting stables. The structure is located in rough terrain and is not accessible to wheelchairs. The Achille Gaggia hydroelectric power station also combines technology and design: the machine hall is decorated with allegorical frescoes on the theme of electricity and the glorification of hydropower, attributed to the painter Walter Resenterra from Feltre. The actual power station was built in 1950 and is located in a 500-metre-long gallery inside the mountain. It can only be viewed from the outside; private visits are possible by prior arrangement.

Historic paths and alpine pursuits

The circular route to the medieval watchtower follows the historic nature trail “Troi de le caore”. It is approximately 400 metres long, with a total ascent of around 40 metres. A longer hiking option is Alpine Trail 960: it starts in Costa Avedin in Soverzene and leads to Casera Col Mat; its difficulty is rated E. Alpine Trail 967 runs through the area between Soverzene and Longarone, starts near Casera del Pian and leads to Val Calastra. This trail is also rated E in difficulty.

For climbing enthusiasts, Falesia Val Gallina is easily accessible from the village of Soverzene. Following the renovation and safety work completed in 2019, the climbing crag has numerous climbing routes on three walls, as well as three via ferratas. Soverzene is also part of the ComuneCiclabile classification and is associated with a rating of 4 Bikesmiles.

Bridge and local history

Built between 1922 and 1927, the Piave Bridge connected Soverzene with the Alemagna state road. This made the former ferry service for crossing the river unnecessary. The bridge thus marks a specific stage in the development of connections and arrival around Soverzene.

Discover more destinations

For further travel planning, you can also make a note of Santo Stefano Di Cadore, Falcade, Alleghe, Fonzaso, Montebello, Trichiana, Longarone and Canai.

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.