Stage of short length but characterized by the demanding climb to the crest of Montemaggiore, the first alpine semblance since the beginning of our journey.
The view from Punta Lausciovizza repays abundantly of every effort: northwards we admire blissfully the now nearby Julian Alps.
Crossing the Natisone river can be difficult during a flood.
In the first part of the stage, we often find the path invaded by vegetation and we must make our way; there are some fallen trees.
The climb to Montemaggiore is quite steep and sometimes exposed. The next ridge, characterized by easy ups and downs, has slightly exposed sections. You need a firm step and caution, especially in case of fog.
The only water point is in the town of Montemaggiore.
Risk of ticks.
Through ups and downs, we reach the Natisone river and wade it (if flooded, we must take off our shoes). We skirt the river for a while and then proceed into the woods. We cross the Rio Bianco and afterward the Rio Lamagna. Shortly after we arrive in the town of Montemaggiore. An excellent point for a break and to stock up on water.
From the town, after a short stretch on a forest road, the path climbs up the steep southern slope of the Montemaggiore chain. This is not a technically complicated ascent, however, it is a long ascent sometimes on a narrow path, with a height difference of approx. 700 m.
Once you are on the eastern shoulder of Punta di Montemaggiore, it begins a stretch of ups and downs on the ridge. This stretch leads us to Punta Lausciovizza (1.625 m) from where we have a great view of the Julian Prealps. It is interesting the difference between the two sides of the mountain: the southern one is steep and impervious, the northern one is sweeter and covered with beech trees.
Finally, once we leave the ridge a steep descent brings us to the Ana Montemaggiore shelter. The shelter is well kept and very spacious, but rather cold: you have to get busy with the stove.
In the first few days of February 2014, a tremendous and vast glaze hit the forest around Prossenicco, causing the devastation of hundreds of hectares of forest. Still nowadays, we can see its effects in the first part of the stage.
The municipality of Taipana and the hamlet of Montemaggiore are part of the area affected by the earthquake that hit Friuli-Venezia Giulia in 1976, with the epicenter in Gemona.
That earthquake was one of the most devastating in the history of Italy, both in terms of the number of victims and damages. However, from those times we remember also the great commitment and efficiency shown by the population during the reconstruction process that followed the orcolat (bad ogre), as the earthquake was nicknamed by locals.
Just below Punta Lausciovizza, facing south and overlooking the green valleys of the Natisone, there is the statue of a small white Madonna. She curiously looks towards the Sanctuary of Montemaggiore, which hosts a black Madonna inside.
Bivacco Ricovero Ana Montemaggiore, under Punta Lausciovizza, equipped with 32 beds, blankets, and water. It is recommended to call to notify them your arrival and check if it is open (if so, it is possible to eat there and even take a hot shower). Tel. +39 0432 145 1180
Starting point reachable by car.
Starting point reachable by bus from the city of Udine.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Departure point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
