The best walks and hikes around Volano

A beautiful view over the country

Castel Pietra has belonged to the same family since 1738. Over the centuries the castle has suffered bombings and robberies but has come intact and well preserved to our times thanks to the care of the people who lived there. The first phase of an important restoration has just finished. The Castle is now accessible for visits and for holding all types of events. (Source: https://www.castelpietra.info/il-castello/oggi.html )

The exact origin of Castel Pietra cannot be dated, but already in the 12th century some documents mention "la Pietra", a name given by the locals to the castle. The name recalls the boulders that fell in ancient times from the overlying Cengio Rosso, on which the manor was built and expanded over the centuries, as happened for the Gothic part in the 14th century. Different styles converge in the structure, but it is evident at first glance that the purpose is the defense and control of the territory. The historical importance of Castel Pietra derives above all from its strategic position.... For many years and until the final defeat of Venice in the early 16th century, the castle was located on the border between Tyrol and the Republic of Venice. The famous battle of Calliano on 10 August 1487, in which the Venetian troops commanded by General Sanseverino were heavily defeated, was only one of a long series of battles that saw Castel Pietra as a protagonist. The "murazzo", a mighty wall that reached from the castle to the river bank, blocked the passage and only after paying the duty could one pass through the enormous door that was in the middle of the wall. Between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century, Castel Pietra was the scene of important battles fought between Napoleon's French and the Austrians. In 1796 Napoleon Bonaparte had some cannons transported halfway up the Cengio Rosso and the Austrian troops had no choice but to surrender, unable to defend themselves from a bombardment from above. During the Great War, Castel Pietra was severely damaged on the east side by some Italian cannon shots fired from the nearby front. The bombings of World War II also brought destruction: the bombs intended for the nearby railway instead hit a shelter full of evacuees located inside the walls. Fortunately, the solid structure saved the people who had sought shelter inside despite a partial collapse. (Source: https://www.castelpietra.info/il-castello/la-storia.html )

A real eye-catcher, very interesting construction. From the bridge you have a very beautiful view of the Etsch. Stop for a moment and enjoy the impressions.

The Zambel Waterfall ('el Zambelòn' in the local dialect) is an enchanting natural setting: the stream plunges briskly between high rock walls into a natural pool; the cool, clear water flows into a clearing surrounded by greenery; the sun's rays often penetrate it, creating evocative beams of light and rainbows! It's naturally at its best after rainy days. It's also known as the Calliano Waterfall (name of the nearby town), the Rio Cavallo Waterfall (from the name of the stream and the valley of the same name), or the Rosspach/Rossbach Waterfall (the Cimbrian equivalent of the river): the watercourse was so named because it descended from Folgaria in a very winding and impetuous manner, like a restless colt. The waterfall is actually an ancient artificial dam, as evidenced by the stone blocks that compose it entirely, without the use of cement. In the 15th century, the left canal (above the greenhouse) was built for agricultural purposes and likely to fill the defensive moat of nearby Castel Pietra. In the 17th century, the right industrial canal ('roggia') was also built, descending to Calliano and flowing into the Adige River. Over the centuries, it has served to provide mechanical power to countless industrial and manufacturing activities (mills, sawmills, hammer mills, spinning mills). It can be reached from below, via an easy path from Calliano, or from above, via a short route equipped with ropes and steps. In summer, the site is quite popular for cooling off and sunbathing.

Stylish and eye-catching bridge for this area.

unfortunately the repeaters ruin a place that would have been idyllic

Hike with great views