The Corno alle Scale area is definitely a favourite destination for those who love trekking, walking or looking for itineraries in regenerating places surrounded by nature.

The Monte Acuto delle Alpi circular path (Madonna del Faggio – Tresana – Monte Acuto delle Alpi) is an approximately 7 km long trail in the province of Bologna, which is fairly easy and has an elevation gain of about 400 metres.

This circular route can be completed by anyone without any particular difficulty. As it is almost entirely immersed in the forest, it is suitable in summer despite the heat, as well as in other seasons.

However, it is in autumn that the surrounding nature is at its most enchanting, with yellow, red and their variations dominating and offering extraordinary colour combinations.

Stage 1: Monte Acuto

Perched on a ridge at an altitude of 915 metres, the medieval village of Monte Acuto seems to have stood still in time.

Its elevated position provides a natural vantage point from which to enjoy wonderful views of the Tese, Monte Grande, Monte la Nuda and Corno alle Scale.

The small, compact village is criss-crossed by narrow, steep, cobbled streets. The Church of San Nicola, built in the 12th century, stands in the upper part of the village and is surrounded by ancient sandstone buildings that still retain the typical features of a fortified castle.

From the village centre, take CAI trail no. 109 towards Madonna del Faggio, entering the woods and walking in the shade of imposing chestnut and beech trees.

Along the way, you will come to the Molino della Squaglia, which is located on the Rio Baricella and was once used by the inhabitants to grind dried chestnuts and produce flour. Despite being neglected, the impressive building is intact and still shows parts of the hydraulic machinery that powered it.

Stage 2: Sanctuary of the Madonna del Faggio

Follow the path alongside the Rio Baricella stream and you will find yourself immersed in the silence of the woods at the Santuario della Madonna del Faggio.

The stone structure of the building, the benches where you can rest, and the sacredness of the place blend perfectly with the surrounding nature, creating an evocative and magical setting where each element enhances the others.

Behind the sanctuary stands a small chapel, said to be the site of an apparition of the Madonna to a shepherd boy, which makes this a place of pilgrimage.

Stage 3: the village of Tresana

After a contemplative break, we continue towards Tresana, a village nestled in an ancient forest of chestnut and beech trees.

The first thing you notice upon arrival is the silence and peace that pervades the few buildings that comprise the village. As you wander among the stone houses, you feel as though you have been transported into a fairy tale, surrounded by the green of the meadows, the colours of the flowers and the foliage of the trees, and the sound of the stream flowing.

The renovated and well-maintained houses are surrounded by numerous hydrangeas which, in summer, turn the gardens into a kaleidoscope of colour.

This small, nature-enveloped village seems to have emerged from the past in perfect preservation, making it a magical, charming gem.

This area is characterised by many centuries-old chestnut trees, one of which attracts more attention than the others. According to popular rumour, it is over 400 years old!
This immense tree has a hollow inside which a small chapel has been built, and new shoots and leaves continue to grow from its branches. It has therefore been nicknamed “the chestnut tree of hope”.

To complete the circular route, leave the village of Tresana behind and set off again towards Monte Acuto. The last few kilometres are always in the shade, with not particularly steep climbs.