Cammino mariano delle Alpi Via occidentale

One of the most picture-perfect, panoramic stretches of the Via Occidentale, the fourth stage stays on the Rhaetian Alps side of Valtellina, through vineyards, ancient villages and historic sites. You'll leave Sondrio through the fascinating old neighbourhood of Scarpatetti and climb to Castel Masegra and the village of Ponchiera. From here, the route heads along the terraces to Montagna in Valtellina (with the Church of the Madonna di Caravaggio and the Church of Madonna del Carmine) followed by Poggiridenti and the Church of the Beata Vergine del Buon Consiglio. Three kilometres further on you'll reach Tresivio, where one of the most significant religious buildings in the entire province stands: the stunning Sanctuary of the Santa Casa, which, thanks to its impressive profile, façade, and double order of regularly placed niches on the sides, is unlike any of the other baroque churches in Valtellina. Inside, the holy house of the Virgin (a temple inside the temple) and the wooden statue of the Madonna Nera replicate the layout of the celebrated Sanctuary of Loreto in Le Marche. The stage continues with mesmerizing scenery, escorting you to Ponte in Valtellina, one of the most picturesque villages in Valtellina, and the Church of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio, which has such a plain aesthetic it's easy to miss it amongst the houses. From here, the route begins to climb up to Teglio, another charming village and the birthplace of the local dish pizzoccheri. After passing the medieval Church of Santa Maria di Ligone the site where local processions on Holy Mass occasions for the Madonna culminate you'll reach the ancient parish Church of Santa Eufemia, the stage's final destination.