Castello and Laveggiolo: Local History and Culture

The trail begins on Via Roma, near the church of San Bartolomeo, follows the street along the back side, then takes a mule trail that climbs to the hamlet of Foppa (1,096 m). The trail runs—for a short stretch—along the paved road until the first hairpin turn; here, a wooden signpost marked “ANTICHE MULATTIERE” indicates the route, which then enters the woods, crosses the Vedrano stream via a small bridge, and returns to the paved road. Follow the road for about 100 meters; then—as indicated by the signs (left)—the trail climbs through the meadows and reaches the hamlet of Castello (1,329 m); Here you’ll find the small church of the Madonna delle Nevi, home to one of the few examples of a “clothed Madonna,” the old washhouse, the 15th-century oven, and the farmhouse. The mule trail continues past the houses toward the small church of San Rocco and, just above it, the scenic village of Laveggiolo (1,485 m) with its well-restored and well-maintained stone houses.

The return trip follows the same route.