1. South Tyrol
  2. Bolzano & Surroundings
  3. Hidden Treasures: The old "road to the castle" in Drena

Hidden Treasures: The old "road to the castle" in Drena

Hikes
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Duration 1.6 h

Distance 4.6 km

Ascend 216 hm

Descent 216 hm

Max. height 426 m

Hidden Treasures: The old "road to the castle" in Drena - Description

An easy walk that takes you from the protected area Marocche in Dro up to Drena Castle along an ancient mule track dating back to the Middle Ages.
This itinerary starts in the protected area the Marocche (Dro) where it first climbs to Drena Caste along the old “Roman road”, a medieval mule track, and from there to the chapel of Madonna di Fatima where there is a spectacular view of the hamlet and castle from above.
The Marocche is an area which is protected because of its unique geology and natural environment: it is in fact, the largest postglacial landslide in the entire Alps, an imposing mass of rocky material forming a lunar landscape, the habitat of plants and animals which have adapted to the particular aridity of the environment.
Drena Castle, which once belonged to the counts of Arco, is mentioned as far back as the 12th century and used to enclose the road for Cavedine, one of the few roads at the time connecting the Garda area with Trento.
For this very reason it was destroyed by General Vendòme in 1703. Recently restored, it now houses a little museum which displays archaeological finds.

Directions

  • Start

    Marocche - Parking place

    Start from the car park for the Marocche protected area in Lavini, situated along the main road (S.P. 84) from Dro to Drena. First follow directions for the nearby Rio Sallagoni via ferrata, turning left at the first junction near a cement doorway. Continue along this dirt track until you come back to the main road. Cross here (watching out for traffic) and continue along the track between the road and orchard through the woods as far as the castle. This final stretch of trail, known as the “Roman Road”, is actually a mule track dating back to the Middle Ages, is also called “brozzera” because of the ruts left by carts (“brozzi” in local dialect).
    Cross the main road a second time and you come to the castle. After a visit, continue along the main road in the direction of Cavedine (via Roma), past the nearby chapel of San Vigilio and the Miner's Monument. At the next bus stop, cross the road and turn onto the trail signposted “Madonna di Fatima”. Head up the steps to the sanctuary which consists of a group of statues of Our Lady of Fatima and the three little shepherds at the mouth of a little grotto made in 1943 by some local miners who had emigrated to Belgium.
    Just make your way back to return to the car park.

  • end point

    Marocche - Parking place

required equipment

This excursion is quite simple and presents no particular difficulty. However, we still recommend you to wear suitable footwear, a hat, sun screen and sunglasses. And be sure to bring water!

Tips for the tour

In the Marocche area you can even see dinosaur tracks, easily accessible from the car park on the road to Lake Cavedine.

Difficulty

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Fitness

  • Technique

  • Experience

  • Landscape

Recommended season

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • Mar.
  • Apr.
  • May
  • Jun.
  • Jul.
  • Aug.
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

Directions

self-arranged arrival
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
In the Marocche area there are two free car parks, one before the tamburello court and one immediately after.

public transport
Drena is connected with the other towns in Garda Trentino by the number 304 intercity bus line. You can get off on request in the Marocche area on the way out and for the return trip there are two bus stops in via Roma. Details and timetables: www.gardatrentino.it

Interesting things nearby

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