From the urban forest of Gocciadoro to the woods of Villazzano, passing by Villa Mersi

• Start point: Parco di Gocciadoro
• Arrival point: Grotta / Piazza

Less than a century ago the area around the river Fersina was open country and the arches of the Valsugana railway (1895) rose alone over an agricultural landscape. Today the floodplain is completely occupied by the southern districts of the city and the urban expansion of the 60s- 80s affected also the terrace of Villazzano and the first slopes of Marzola. 

But the opportunity to have a walk in the nature is not missing. Starting from the park of Gocciadoro, that occupies the ending part of the small valley of Salé and traditionally considered to be the "natural park" of the city. During the two wars, kindergarten children were brought there for the "cherries feast" at the end of the school year. After World War II "open-air centres for children" were opened. 

The itinerary starts passing through the ancient way of San Bartolomeo, that passes by the homonymous religious complex constituted of the church and the graveyard. Because of its position and characteristics this complex is particularly interesting, and it is thought to be dated back before the 12^th century. 

Then the path goes up to Villazzano, going through country and residential areas where buildings from the 20^th century mingle with small historic complexes that once were isolated in the middle of the agricultural landscape. Then it crosses Villa Mersi's Garden, elegant example of the noble residence in baroque style of the 18^th century. The path goes gently up to the main facade of the villa and ends up with a fountain. To the baroque garden, fully renovated at the beginning of the 21^st century, was added in the last century a romantic garden with exotic plants.  

Then the trail enters the Salita dei Molini (literally "the mills' climb"), that reminds us of the past presence of wheat mills and forges that used the waterpower of the Rio dei Mulini. The urban structure can be seen through the typical "scaling" aggregation even if the buildings reveal actions and rearrangements from the 16^th century.

Even on part of the hill there are many examples of the courtly erudite architecture of the country residences built by the rich bourgeois of the city in the 17^th-18^th century (Villa Ferrari, Villa Belfonte, Villa Tommasi).  

For further information and details go to OUTDOORACTIVE

Safety tips

The information on this page is subject to change, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is impossible to completely avoid inaccuracies, taking into consideration the rapid environmental and weather changes that may occur. Therefore, we decline any responsibility for any damage caused to the visitor. However, it is strongly suggested to check the path state, the environmental and weather conditions before going on an excursion. 

The Network of Bondone Nature Reserves is not responsible for the management and maintenance of the trails. Therefore, we decline any responsibility for damages that can occur to people, animals or objects. 

• Prepare your itinerary
• Choose a trail suitable for your training
• Choose adequate equipment
• Consult weather reports
• Going alone is riskier 
• Leave information about your itinerary and the time you expect to get back 
• Do not hesitate to go with an expert 
• Mind the indications and signages on the path 
• Do not hesitate to go back the same way you came
• In case of an accident call the standard emergency number 112