バルベリーノ・ディ・ムジェッロの天然記念物・トップ20

Perhaps the most famous crucifix in Italy is not found on the heights of the mountains, although of course there are many summit crosses throughout the country – like the CROCE DI GEPPE here – but in literature: The author Giovanni Guareschi, creator of the protagonists 'Don Camillo' and 'Peppone', included another main character in his stories – which are well-known and popular far beyond the borders of the country: The crucified Christ, who speaks to Don Camillo from the high altar. The author himself offers the following comment: “So, one has to explain: If the priests feel offended by Don Camillo, they can smash a candlestick over my head for all I care; if the communists are offended by Peppone, they can split a club in two over my back; but if someone feels offended by the words of Christ, nothing can be done. Whoever speaks in my stories… is my Christ, that is, the voice of my conscience. My personal matter, my own affair. And therefore: each for himself and God for all.” (G. Guareschi)

It is the pinnacle of Prato's hikes, starting from the slopes to get some fresh air, or for those with more time, as a stopping point for beautiful hikes in Calvana.

Climb to be done with MTB push due to the steep slope

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360° panorama of the valleys below

Panoramic point on the ridge of the Calvana mountains, from which to admire the Prato plain

A summit cross rises on Monte Retaia - although not at the highest point of the mountain, but in an impressive location. It rests on a brick foundation with a stepped, man-high base in which a niche protected by a grille is embedded. The cross itself is not made of wood, as is often the case, but of metal. The interior of the longitudinal and transverse beams (which are only indicated by the outlines) is stabilized by a series of x-shaped struts. Furthermore, there is a metal circle around the crossing that is somewhat reminiscent of a halo. However, the cross has no body.

Cross that stands out on Calvana