Anello delle Zinge

The itinerary begins at the church of Norcen, where there are some parking spots and a picnic area. From here, we climb along the paved road, and after 20 meters, we take the mule path that branches off to the right.

On the valley side, we are accompanied by a hedge of cornel, field maple, and ash, while on the mountain side, among the scattered trees, there is a ground cover of periwinkle. Further on, the forest, characterized by beautiful white and black hornbeam trees, extends across the entire slope until, at a certain point, there is a glimpse of the village of Norcen.

After an initial stretch of gentle ascent, the path continues with a slight descent, and the plants become sturdier: among them, a large oak stands out on the left. The stretch of forest that follows is a coppice, formed by groups of trees connected at the base, indicating periodic cuts made by humans. Reaching the aqueduct channel, the environment becomes more open, and at the edge of the forest, juniper appears, a spiny bush that thrives in dry and sunny soils. We are in the locality of Trugno, where the landscape consists of meadows, fruit trees, and fields, which certainly offer abundant food to various animals. Among these is the green woodpecker, which, with a call resembling a hearty laugh, seems to mock those trying to spot it in its movements.

After enjoying the view of the opposite village of Lamen, the Feltrino basin, and the Prealps, we take the downhill road that runs alongside a small stream incision, leading us shortly to Norcen. It is interesting to observe the dry stone wall that borders the road: it features stones of different colors, sizes, and origins, as well as a surprising variety of inconspicuous plant forms, such as ferns, mosses, and lichens. In the spaces between the stones, certainly, lizards, spiders, snails, and other small animals find refuge. A common structure actually represents a miniature ecosystem, where living organisms, the rocky substrate, and other environmental factors create a truly peculiar whole. Just beyond, we arrive in the village, near a plastered stone shrine dedicated to the Madonna della Salute.

It's worth making a brief detour to the left to see Villa Norcen, the oldest existing villa in the Pedavenese area, which is now used as a rectory. From the capitol, it takes just a few minutes to reach the square of Norcen, from which we return to the starting point, guided by the soaring bell tower of the church.

DEEPENING ON... Rural architecture and sacred buildings in Norcen

Norcen is a typical example of a rural settlement that has partially preserved its original appearance. Until the 19th century, the houses were partly covered with wooden shingles and partly with tiles. The facade had a portico, with an external staircase leading to the wooden piól (balcony). Here agricultural products were dried, and the bedrooms were opened. On the ground floor was the kitchen with the larìn or ritonda, in which a wooden seat surrounded the fireplace. Attached were the cellar and other storages, and a little further was the small vaulted stable (cuba) where the livestock was kept during the winter months; above was the hayloft. Located outside the village at an altitude of 510 m above sea level, the church of Norcen has very ancient origins. A slab depicting a lamb and a dove is indeed embedded in the east wall and dates back to the 8th-9th century AD. Just a short distance from the church is the 19th-century complex of Villa Vecellio, formerly owned by the Feltrino historian Don Antonio. The manor house has been completely restored, while at the end of the 19th century the adjacent chapel dedicated to Blessed Bernardino da Feltre was built, where the donor and his mother rest.