Soverzene: Church Art, Mills and Hiking Trails

Soverzene brings together church art and historic technology with trails ranging from a loop walk to alpine routes. At San Lorenzo Martire, different periods come together; the mill and hydroelectric power station show how water was used for work and energy. Practical access information and different difficulty ratings are also relevant when planning a trip.

Churches and Sacred Art

The present-day church of San Lorenzo Martire is neoclassical and was built from the 18th century onward on the site of an ancient temple, documented as early as 1425. A monumental wooden altar from the original church was carved in 1626 and gilded in 1633; it is attributed to the Auregne school. The church also houses a tempera painting of the Assumption of Mary, attributed to Girolamo Moech of Belluno (1792–1857). Its architectural history and artworks with different historical attributions can therefore be considered together.

The Grotta della Madonna di Lourdes was built between 1910 and 1911 and consecrated on July 16, 1911. In 2011, it underwent structural and architectural restoration to mark its centenary. The entrance is at ground level; however, there are three steps at the entrance, and there is no ramp for people with disabilities.

Mills, Lime Kiln and Hydroelectric Power

The Mulino dei Savi is a historic mill dating from the 18th century. Local grain was milled there, mainly maize, which was made into polenta flour. Water from the nearby Val Pora was brought in to power the mill via an 86-meter-long supply channel; a 9-meter drop set the mill wheel in motion. The channel and change in elevation illustrate how water was used to operate the mill. Access is via an unpaved path; there is no wheelchair-accessible entrance.

La Calchèra is a lime kiln of ancient origin. The lime produced there was used as mortar for building and plastering structures, as well as for disinfecting stables. The terrain is rough, and the site is not accessible to wheelchairs.

The main Achille Gaggia hydroelectric power station was built in 1950 and is located inside a 500-meter-long tunnel in the mountain. In the engine room, allegorical frescoes depict electricity and celebrate hydropower; they are attributed to Walter Resenterra of Feltre. The hydroelectric power station can only be viewed from the outside; private visits are possible by prior arrangement.

Hiking Trails and Climbing

The loop walk to the medieval watchtower follows the historic nature trail “Troi de le caore.” The loop is about 400 meters long, and the total ascent is around 40 meters. Both figures are approximate and describe different aspects of the trail: its length and its elevation gain.

Alpine Trail 960 starts in Costa Avedin in Soverzene and leads to Casera Col Mat. Trail 967 runs through the area between Soverzene and Longarone; its starting point is near Casera del Pian, and its destination is Val Calastra. Both routes are rated E for difficulty. Trail conditions may change, so check the latest conditions before setting out.

Falesia Val Gallina climbing crag is easy to reach from the village of Soverzene. Following its renovation and safety work, completed in 2019, it has numerous climbing routes on three walls, as well as three via ferratas. Check the current route status on site before climbing.

The Piave Bridge

The Piave Bridge tells another chapter in the village’s history of connections: built between 1922 and 1927, it linked Soverzene with the Alemagna state road and made the former ferry crossing over the river unnecessary.

Discover more destinations: Danta, Villapiana-ronchena, Castello Lavazzo, Trichiana, Longarone, Zoldo Alto, San Vito Di Cadore, Ponte Nelle Alpi

Return to the main travel overview: Belluno.