| THE FRASSATI TRAIL IN VENETO inaugurated August 5, 2001 WHERE: in Comèlico and Sappàda (Belluno) TIME: 6 stages from 4 to 8 hours LENGTH: 90 km DIFFICULTY: E and EE (due to the length) The path goes through the towns and villages disseminated along the flanks of the twin valleys, moving away from them here and there, traveling along tracks and paths anyone can follow. The ideal starting point is Danta di Cadore, located in a magnificent panoramic position on the wild Brentòni group. The trail then pushes eastwards to Sappàda, the natural connection between the Comèlico and the Carnia area, and continuing counter-clockwise it reaches Val Visdende. To the North, the Cresta Carnica marks the border with Austria. And here is Lower Comèlico, comprising the towns of Santo Stefano and San Pietro: ancient, harsh lands, where the religious and Rules traditions have preserved the culture of these Ladin peoples. Lastly, the trail climbs back to Upper Comèlico, formed by four fractions or Rules: Candìde, Casamazzàgno, Dosolédo and Pàdola. Above, Dolomite peaks - some higher than 3,000 meters - seem to chase one another; they were the backdrop of extremely bloody clashes in World War I, and of mountaineering feats since then. |