ANCIENT TOWERS AND HOLY MOUNTS – Intermediate level route, all nature and spirituality. Get into the saddle at Miasino, cycle along the Via Circonvallazione near the E-Bike MTB E-Motion rental depot and towards the village centre, along fields and meadows dotted with placid cows and their calves.

COWS AND HORSES

Taking a tarmac road on the right, you will soon reach the heart of the village at the foot of the majestic parish church in white granite and stone, dedicated to San Rocco and declared a national monument.

After going past Via Martelli, start pedalling on the charming cobbled roads in Piazza Beltrami with Its Santa Maria Oratory and the central part of the Villa Nigra, a splendid example of a patrician country residence, one of the most beautiful in the whole Cusio area.

VIEWS OVER THE LAKE

Proceed along Via Tenente Paolo Solaroli, take the panoramic road leading towards Vacciago, passing the imposing Sanctuary to the Madonna della Bocciola. This was built after a miracle in 1500 and the area in front of the church enjoys a unique view, taking in the lake, the Island of San Giulio, Madonna del Sasso and, further away in the distance, Monte Rosa.

THE CALDERARA FOUNDATION

If you go into Vacciago, turning left into Via Bardelli, you will come to the Fondazione Calderara, a house and studio which hosts works of contemporary art and sculpture, and a little further on, enjoying its lofty and isolated position, you will see the charming parish church of Sant’Antonio Abate.

ART AND POETRY IN VACCIAGO

Turning back and taking the road towards Gozzano, you will come to a junction which leads to the pretty little hamlet of Corconio: just a few houses, isolated in the silent green countryside, set in little winding lanes leading to the church of  Santo Stefano which overlooks the little village and a characteristic local house called Casa Bonola.

From the centre of Corconio, turn left and follow the signs for the tower, La Torre di Buccione, a military defence tower of great importance from the 10th century onwards, today well-known as a natural park with the same name.

THE BUCCIONE TOWER

The gravel hill going up to it is a bit steep on occasion but in little more than 10 minutes you will reach the tower and the incredible view from there. Once you have torn yourself away and returned down the hill to the tarmac road, with the help of the GPS you will find a pathway through greenery and a wood of oak and elderflower.

BERSANELLA SPRING

On the right of the road is the Bersanella spring, whose waters are said to come directly from Monte Rosa, and a designated area where you can enjoy some refreshment. Proceed keeping left, returning close to the railway station at Bolzano Novarese.

IN ST FRANCIS’ MONASTERY

If you follow the road, lined with houses, you will go past the walls of the Bolzano Novarese castle, reaching the Borghetto area where, once again with the help of the GPS, you will take a magical path through greenery, ferns, vegetation and flowers.   Returning to the road, on the right you will see the Way of the Cross going up to Monte Mesma with its fourteen 17th century chapels.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS CHAPELS

Go up the steep hill, along the cobbled road and hairpin bends, finally reaching the special Nature Reserve, and then the top of the hill where you will find the Franciscan monastery and Its Church dedicated to St Francis

VIEW OF MONTE ROSA

From the little church porch and the surrounding silence you will enjoy one of the most stunning views over Lake Orta with Monte Rosa on the horizon. And if you are lucky enough to find it open, do not miss the chance to visit the monastery’s two lovely little 18th century cloisters. Cycling down the tarmac road, you will arrive very quickly at Ameno and, continuing along our route, you get to a little Roman bridge which crosses the Agogna River.

With a bit of luck, if you have chosen the right time of day, you might just get a glimpse of some wild animal coming to get a drink from its crystal clear waters. ANCIENT TOWERS AND HOLY MOUNTS.

TIMELESS ROMAN BRIDGES

The route comes to an end cycling along flat dirt road, among the farms and pastures of Pezzasco. Pedal along among the placid cows, sheep and athletic horses, until you reach Miasino again and finish the trip with a better look at this ancient village, exploring Villa Nigra and the imposing parish church which dominates the village, and its works of art.

ANCIENT TOWERS AND HOLY MOUNTS

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