Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see

Natural Monuments

Italy
Veneto
Vicenza
Rotzo

Altar Knotto

Highlight • Natural Monument

Altar Knotto

Recommended by 48 hikers

Save

Share

  • More

  • Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Altar Knotto

    4.6

    (35)

    167

    hikers

    1. Altar Knotto Trail from Curva del Tellale

    5.22km

    01:58

    280m

    270m

    Mystical hike to a legendary floating boulder and ancient rock shelter steeped in Cimbrian folklore.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Expert

    4.6

    (51)

    234

    hikers

    Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

    Expert

    Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

    Expert

    Tips

    January 23, 2023

    It is a huge and unique boulder perched on the edge of the cliff, almost suspended in mid-air, overlooking the Astico Valley below.

    Due to its surprising and magical shape, as well as its location, it has always been the source of many legends. Its name, which in Cimbrian means 'Old Stone', evokes ancient ceremonies linked to the Norse deities: pagan rites were celebrated on this natural altar, with sacrifices and gifts. In ancient times, it was believed to be a sort of small Asgard (the City of the Northern Gods), where Thor, Odin, and Freya resided, intent on watching over the Cimbrian people from above. It is nicknamed "the last pagan altar". With the arrival of Christianity, pagan sites were converted into Christian ones, and the Altar Knotto acquired the nickname 'Scagno [stool] of the Devil': from this throne, the demon dominated and controlled the valley below and its people! Another legend holds that it is inhabited by dwarfs, who hide their golden treasure there: if at night, from the valley floor, you see glimmers around the altar, it means the dwarves are opening their treasure chests!

    Together with two other large stones similar in shape and position, it forms the "magic triangle" that delimits and envelops the Asiago Plateau: the western point is the Altar Knotto, above Rotzo, overlooking the Astico Valley; the northern point is the Hanepos (Thor's Anvil), in the Marcesina plain, in the Sugana Valley; the eastern point is the Spitzknotto di Stoccaredo (the Third Altar), in the Franzèna Valley.

    In addition to seeing it from above, you can descend via a short, somewhat hidden, equipped passageway between the rocks, only for experienced hikers. The view is beautiful over the Astico Valley.

    ilserenissimoveneto.it/altar-knotto

    Translated by Google •

      October 26, 2023

      It is a large boulder balanced on a rocky platform, in a very panoramic position. The platform is not easily reachable, you descend from a ravine on which metal brackets are positioned to help you proceed.

      Translated by Google •

        In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

        Sign up for free

        Details

        Informations

        Elevation 1,330 m

        Weather

        Powered by AerisWeather

        Today

        Tuesday 28 October

        11°C

        4°C

        0 %

        If you start your activity now...

        Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

        Most visited during

        January

        February

        March

        April

        May

        June

        July

        August

        September

        October

        November

        December

        Loading

        Location: Rotzo, Vicenza, Veneto, Italy

        Other Popular Places to Check Out

        Monte Cengio

        Explore
        RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
        Download the app
        Follow Us on Socials

        © komoot GmbH

        Privacy Policy