Chestnut Path, Chiusa - Bressanone #4

Chestnut Path, Chiusa - Bressanone #4

DESCRIPTION
From nature to tradition: following the Keschtnweg/Sentiero del Castagno from Chiusa to Bressanone.
The Chestnut Path, known as Keschtnweg in German, is a 90 km route that begins in Vilpiano and extends mainly on the right side of the Isarco Valley, ending at the Novacella Monastery, near Bressanone. Usually, the itinerary is divided into single sections which can be tackled as day excursions. The route crosses the low mountain terraces, located at an altitude of 700-800 m, following paths, mule tracks and roads with little traffic.
The Chestnut Trail proves particularly fascinating in autumn, when many farms open their kitchens and cellars during the Törggelen season. However, even in spring and early summer, the variety of vegetation and rural life along the route offer an incomparable scenic spectacle.
The stages of the itinerary are as follows: Vilpiano - Bolzano, Bolzano - Barbiano, Barbiano - Chiusa, Chiusa - Bressanone/Novacella.
Starting from the heart of the Isarco Valley, precisely from Chiusa, we undertake an excursion along the last suggestive stretch of the Chestnut Path, which will take us to Bressanone. Along this fascinating itinerary, we pass through emblematic places such as Castel Bronzolo, the Monastery of Sabiona, Castel Velturno and the suggestive Church of San Cirillo, near Tiles.
Let us now examine these places in detail.
A short distance from the center of Chiusa stands Castel Bronzolo, also known as the Captain's Tower. This ancient building, dating back to 1250, is unfortunately not open to the public as it is currently inhabited by a family from Chiusa.
The majestic Mount Sabiona, with its monastery, symbolizes the essence of the Isarco Valley and is considered the acropolis of Tyrol. For over three centuries, Sabiona has been a Benedictine monastery of great spiritual importance in South Tyrol. Despite some changes made around 1890, the monastery has retained its original form with churches and crenellated walls. After more than three centuries of seclusion, the Benedictine nuns left the monastery at the end of November 2021, and the complex is now managed by the Diocese of Bressanone-Bolzano.
Velturno Castle, an ancient possession of the prince bishops of Bressanone, is another jewel that maintains its majesty. Built in the late 16th century, the castle is now a museum open to the public from March to November, recognized as the most valuable monument in South Tyrol.
The Church of San Cirillo, already mentioned in a historical document from 1283, probably stands on the foundations of a previous pagan building. Thanks to a recent restoration, the church has been reborn as a vibrant place of reference for popular piety.

ITINERARY
From Chiusa to the Church of San Cirillo, always follow the Sentiero del Castagno/Keschtnweg trail sign. From Chiusa/Klausen (519 m) you go up to the Monastery of Sabiona (730 m), you pass through the village of Pradello/Pardell (778 m), the Maso Moar zu Viersch (862 m), the panoramic point of Pedraz (860 m), the village of Velturno/Feldthurns (850 m), the locality Tecelinga/Tötschling (916 m), the village of Pinzago/Pinzagen (807 m), the Church of San Cirillo/Wallfahrtskirche St. Cyrill (820 m). Here you descend following the trail sign Sentiero San Cirillo/St. Cyrillus until reaching Piazza Duomo/Domplatz in Bressanone/Brixen (560 m). Now all that remains is to go to the train station and take the train back to Chiusa.

EXCURSION DATE
November 11, 2023

STARTING POINT
Chiusa

REFRESHMENT POINT
Along the route there are numerous refreshment points.

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
Do it in autumn if you want to taste the typical dishes and products of the area.

SAFETY TIPS
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before leaving, consult the competent tourist offices and / or the refuges of reference.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, that is, the route was carried out at best with the conditions of the trails and weather of that day. So always consider what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
You should leave someone the route you intend to do told.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have the appropriate equipment for the route, weather conditions and season: windproof and / or rain jacket, map and / or GPS device, goggles, sunscreen, boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drink.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 030 Brixen - Villnössertal /Bressanone - Val di Funes

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.klausen.it/it/vacanze-in-alto-adige/velturno/attrattive/il-sentiero-delle-castagne.html

HOW TO ARRIVE
A22 exit Chiusa. Take the SS242d and you can get off at Chiusa following the Centro sign. Take an underpass and turn right towards the station. Continue straight until the car park.

PARKING AREA
In Chiusa, free parking at the train station.
GPS coordinates: 46.643021, 11.573075

Parcheggio presso la Stazione ferroviaria di Chiusa

Inizio del Sentiero del Castagno

Vista su Chiusa

Castel Bronzolo

Monastero di Sabiona

Arrivati a Pradello

Si va verso i castagneti

Punto vicino a Velturno dove si possono degustare le castagne

Castello di Velturno

Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista a Tecelinga

Chiesa di San Cirillo

Interno della Chiesa di San Cirillo

Si scende a Bressanone per il sentiero St. Cyrillus

Alle porte di Bressanone

All'interno del Duomo di Bressanone