Winding down the side of the mountain, from a basilica through the vines to the wines of Schioppettino di Prepotto, is what this hike was all about in a nutshell.
But the sum of a hike is more than its trailheads. In this case, the trailheads themselves were impressive. The first, (or possibly the second if following the trail uphill) is the Sanctuary of Castelmonte. Visible for miles from below, with views for miles from up top, the site has deep layers of history and archeology as far back as the Iron Age. But today’s sanctuary has served as a prominent pilgrimage church for this corner of the Province of Udine in northeastern Italy since about the sixth century. However, what is visible now dates to even later than that. Architectural magnificence aside, the site itself is dramatically sited and gorgeous.
On the way to the other trailhead, the sights were just as interesting, albeit less magnificent, and worth a stop to admire. Another religious site followed soon after the start of the trail: the small Church of the Three Kings. Set in the forest in a small clearing, a sense of intimacy and peacefulness pervades this site.
At several spots along the trail, it is possible to glimpse a ridgeline across a narrow valley. This ridgeline is in Slovenia, across the Judrio River. At one point, Slovenia is only about a kilometer away. This corner of Slovenia also produces wine, although I would not have a chance to get there on this trip.
A bit further on, hikers can catch a glimpse of the broad plains in front of the towering Julian Alps. These stretch south and west, heading west into the heart of northern Friuli Venezia Giulia, and reaching as far south the Adriatic Sea.
Cladrecis is not as easy to see, but it comes into view via the tower of San Nicolo di Cladrecis. The little town is nestled atop a small mound. But even when practically on top it, the village is intriguingly obscured. Although it is a wine village, its vineyards are likewise hidden from the hiker’s view.
This trail, though, avoids entering villages or hamlets. Instead, most of it passes through forest, or along vineyards, or through fields. Conditions on the trail can range from rough to gentle. But after a lovely stretch through Italian countryside, the trail reaches Albana, a part of the village of Prepotto. While the trail ends at edge of Albana, on the Judrio/Idrija river, it is possible to reach the center of Prepotto by following the path downriver, for another kilometer. Here, in the capital of Schioppettino wine, it is possible to savor the fruits of the day, and of the region, in a glass!