5th STAGE

Madonna of the Stoves – Baragazza

24,2 km

DISTANCE

9h

term

966/-1080

DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT

PATH

General information

Stages of great charm, where small villages alternate with forests and open areas with beautiful views of the Apennine mountains, in particular Monte Cimone and Corno alle Scale.

The intermediate station and only stopping point in Tuscany is the town of Bruscoli.

From Madonna dei Fornelli, head towards the characteristic village of Qualto, and then pass near Montefredente and then towards Ca' de' Santoni, seeing the characteristic Church of Pian del Voglio on your right.

You pass through a beautiful beech and fir forest to enter Tuscany and reach Bruscoli, which offers numerous attractions worth a stay. The trail then continues down the Biscione stream, with its beautiful waterfalls, and then the Gambellato stream, crossing it at a beautiful farmhouse to reach Roncobilaccio.

A suggestive climb leads to the magical Sanctuary of Boccadirio, located near the stage finish in Baragazza.

What to see

Qualto

Nestled among the mountains, overlooking the Sambro Valley, stands a small jewel whose stones bear traces of the past. Qualto, perhaps the oldest village in the municipality of San Benedetto Val di Sambro, was first mentioned in 1094 as "Aqualto." Founded in the Middle Ages, the walls of a fortified castle once enclosed the current church of San Gregorio Magno, built in 1300 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, who protected the town from the plague in 1630. At over 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by centuries-old chestnut groves, Qualto retains its original appearance of wild beauty: stone walls, slate roofs, and ancient lintels transport you back in time, still allowing the magic of the Middle Ages to permeate the air.