TRACK n°2

FOOTPATH No. 2

Like footpath No 1, this footpath leads to the Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola starting from Peschiera Maraglio, but going round the east side of the island, overlooking the Brescian shore of the lake. The starting point, same as Footpath No 1, is the Tourist information Office at Peschiera Maraglio. After a first part along the town’s narrow alleys, cross the road leading to Senzano and at that point the path forks: keep right. The first half of this long footpath climbs steadily but gently along the east side of the mountain as far as the village of Olzano. The treading space of this part is compressed soil, narrow, often encumbered with overgrown vegetation; some stretches are exposed, with old, unsafe protection or no protection at all. For this reason we suggest extreme caution when walking along this footpath and we deem it unsuitable for children or people unaccustomed to trekking.
The footpath becomes easier near Olzano, it crosses meadows and offers lovely views both of the village of Carzano and the Brescian shore of the lake. From Olzano you head for the village of Masse, made up of two small but interesting hamlets; from there the footpath climbs towards Cure among clearings, fields and woods. Once at Cure, follow the signposts for the Santuario (keep left). The path is cobbled and well kept, the landscape is lovely and the signs, recently replaced, are clear.
It appears that Cure (roughly translated as “cure”, “medical treatment”) takes its name from the fact that any islanders with health problems came here to benefit from the more salubrious air (the village is about 450 m above sea level). We got this piece of information from Mr Luigi, the Santuario’s caretaker.

Length of Footpath: 5.1 km

Ascent: 402 m

Hiking time: 2h 15’