Tovena: History and Walking Routes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Tovena, you can get to know the town through its history and named routes. For centuries, hikers, merchants and pilgrims passed through Tovena on journeys between the Dolomites and the lagoon. The bell tower served as an important landmark for travellers coming down from Passo San Boldo or crossing the valley. Chapels, museums and route descriptions offer specific points of interest to help you plan your visit.

Chapels and historic routes

The Chiesetta di San Vigilio was built at the end of the 16th century. It lies beyond the centre of Tovena, before the hairpin bends and tunnels of Passo di San Boldo. Next to the chapel is a stone hermitage that served as a place to sleep. Hermit monks offered hikers and pilgrims shelter and refreshments there. The chapel and hermitage connect architectural history with the former provision of care for people on the road.

The small chapel of Santa Ottilia is the starting point for the short hike to the Chiesetta di San Vigilio. The CAI Sentiero Zanin trail begins north of Tovena, beyond Santa Ottilia, and leads to the former, deconsecrated Chiesetta. You reach the church by a short mule track lined with dry-stone walls, preserved in their original condition. The starting point, trail name and destination provide clear guidance for your visit and bring the historic route to life on site.

Museums and the Strada dei 100 Giorni

The Strada dei 100 Giorni from Tovena to Trichiana is 15 kilometres long in total. The Museo della Strada dei 100 Giorni is housed in the Alpini accommodation in Tovena at Passo San Boldo. The small exhibition space covers the construction of the road and military events in the area during the First World War, under Austro-Hungarian occupation. In this way, the road’s geographical setting and its construction and wartime history come together as distinct aspects of the same local connection.

Another cultural attraction is the Museo di Arte Sacra in Tovena. It is housed in an 18th-century building, a short walk from the parish church. On display is a wooden crucifix from the 17th century. The historic building and the older artwork each give the museum visit its own connection to the past.

Festivals and local culture

If you’re planning your trip around a specific event date, Tovena in Festa is one option to consider: the 2026 edition takes place in Tovena from 16 to 31 October. It includes three weeks of events and is rooted in the history of Tovena and the entire valley. At Tovena in Festa, you can also try “trippa alla tovenese”, a traditional local dish. If you’re planning your stay around the festival, check the dates again before booking.

Separately, the Secolare Fiera Franca for Santi Simone e Giuda is recognised nationally as a “Sagra di Qualità”. Alongside the history of travellers passing through, the religious buildings and museums, this festival offers further perspectives on the cultural heritage you can discover as you explore Tovena.

Discover more destinations: Soligo, Montebelluna, Negrisia, Villorba, Lancenigo, Altivole, Ponzano, Salvatronda

For the broader travel overview: Treviso.