Good morning everyone! Today, I take you to discover an enchanted corner of our country: the Celestial Ring of the Clover Trails of Ameno.
But first, a tip: tackling the Turquoise Ring on a full stomach is like trying to read a quantum physics book after a Ferragosto barbecue. A light breakfast, then: yogurt and fruit, and ready for the adventure.
With my boots laced and backpack on, I head towards Piazza Marconi in Ameno, the starting point of our journey. With its historical charm, it’s the perfect beginning for an adventure through breathtaking landscapes and millennia-old stories. Let’s follow the arrows with the white and red signs and discover every corner of this itinerary.
First stop: Vacciago and the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
The first part of the path takes us to Vacciago, where we stop at the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. This place is not just a site for prayer but also a small museum. The frescoes by Bonola are spectacular, and there’s an interesting detail: one of them depicts a figure holding an open book with alchemical symbols and a fantastic animal at the saint’s feet that no one has yet managed to identify: like the Piedmont Loch Ness monster with some Lombard traits. A true post-Renaissance enigma.
But Vacciago has another hidden gem: the Calderara Foundation. This contemporary art space, nestled in a historic village, is like finding a Picasso in grandma’s basement. A fascinating contrast that deserves exploration.
Crossing Lortallo: the Via Crucis
Continuing beyond Vacciago, we arrive at the village of Lortallo and encounter the double Via Crucis. The frescoed chapels along the path are a mix of devotion and art, telling stories that are not only religious but also everyday. Walking along this path is like flipping through a family photo album, but without the faces of relatives you can’t stand.
Mesma Mount: nature and mystery
The climb takes us to “Monte Mesma” and its Franciscan convent. From here, the view of Lake Orta and “Monte Rosa” is breathtaking. But what makes this place even more intriguing are the stories of the friars about the “angel lights” that appear above the lake on clear nights. Mystery or natural phenomenon? Who knows…
Between curiosities and ancient stories
As we continue, we meet the Agogna stream with the remains of an ancient forge. A bit like discovering Iron Man’s old factory. A little further on, the Roman bridge of Membra is a masterpiece of engineering that seems suspended in time, telling stories of daily life from centuries ago: like Piero Angela in an episode of Superquark.
Return to Ameno
Heading back towards Ameno, we stop at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The Romanesque bell tower is impressive, and the sound of its bells can be heard kilometers away. The acoustics are so good that a guitar solo could resonate all the way to Milan. Don’t miss the ancient mechanical clock, which has been working perfectly for centuries! Not quite like my oven timer…
San Giovanni Battista: a baroque jewel
Before concluding our journey, we visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, one of the most beautiful by Lake Orta. Inside, a canvas depicts the Council of Trent, and there’s an interesting detail: one of the characters seems to look at us with an enigmatic expression. It is said to be a hidden self-portrait of the artist. Like a “17th-century selfie,” with a lot of class.
Our journey on the Celestial Ring comes to an end, but it was not just a walk in nature. It was a true journey through art, history, and mystery. With lighter hearts and backpacks, I return to the B&B Seme di Faggio to prepare for the next adventure. And if you also wanted to live an unforgettable experience like this? Don’t wait, book your stay at the B&B Seme di Faggio now and set off to discover the wonders of Lake Orta!
P.S. Here’s a useful video showing the beauty of this path.”
