The central section of the Vigilius Trail is ideal for a spring hike: highlights are the awakening of nature and some historical and cultural features along the trail.

The “Sentiero San Vilio” (Percorso di San Vigilio) is a 107 km long hiking trail that connects Trento with Madonna di Campiglio and has a difference in altitude (ascent) of 3,700 metres. It follows the ancient Roman road that, according to tradition, was committed around 400 AD by St. Vigilius (”San Vili”), then bishop and now patron saint of Trento. Our spring hike concentrates on one part of this beautiful path: the middle section that connects the villages of Tavodo and Stenico. It can be done in about 2 hours and shows no major difficulties.

From the charming church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tavodo we follow the sign “SV” towards Stenico. After a few hundred metres we leave the asphalted road and walk through a forest area that first rises steeply and then levels out. At the time of our hike, in April, the forest floor is in full bloom. After leaving the forest behind, we reach the village of Sclemo and finally - along the road - Seo. The path now leads back to the forest, with a beautiful view on the Bleggio fields, and flows into the “Bosco Arte di Stenico” (Stenico Art Forest). It is an open-air museum with numerous wooden sculptures of mystical figures and animals.

But the highlight is yet to come and can be found at the edge of this art experience: the castle of Stenico (Castello di Stenico). The tour takes us through the centuries-old history of the Trentino. For almost 800 years it was inhabited by a Capitano who, in the name of the prince-bishop, carried out the political and administrative activities in the Valli Giudicarie. The way back to Tavodo and to our starting point is the same as the way there.

Author: AT

If you want to do this hike, please take information about the current conditions on site!

Starting point: Tavodo (parking space, bus stop)
Route: Tavodo - Sclemo - Seo - Bosco Arte (Art Forest) - Stenico – Stenico Castle
Markers: “Sentiero San Vili” from Tavodo to Stenico
Distance: 5.1 km (each direction)
Walking time: approx. 2 hours (each direction)
Altitude difference: approx. 290 m
Altitude level: between 595 and 830 m a.s.l.
Experienced in: April 2018