Castana: Valley Trails and Church History

Castana lies on Provincial Road No. 81 to Posina in Val Posina. Three themes are particularly tangible when choosing a destination: the branching valleys, the history of the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, and trails to abandoned Contrade or traces of earlier land use. This means a stay need not be focused on just one place. You can first consider whether you would most like to explore the valley structure, local history, or the trails.

Castana Between the Posina and Zara Valleys

The road through Val Posina follows the stream and leads to the center of Castana. Near Castana, it forks: to the left, it continues through the main Posina valley; to the right, the valley of the Zara stream opens up toward Laghi. The two directions provide a practical point of reference if you want to understand the landscape by following its valleys.

The dolomitic Monte Maio is 1,500 meters high and separates the two branches of the Posina and Zara valleys near Castana. The fork in the road marks the directions, while the mountain marks the landscape divide between the branches. Together, they help you understand Castana’s location within Val Posina.

The Church of San Pietro Apostolo and Local History

Castana was a front-line area during the First World War. During the Strafexpedition in May 1916, the Austro-Hungarian army occupied the village for about forty days. This marks a specific period in local wartime history, with an approximate duration and a clear timeframe.

The Church of San Pietro Apostolo is dedicated to the Apostle Peter. On December 29, 1797, the inhabitants of Castana and Tovo received permission to build it; it was solemnly blessed on November 22, 1803. The parish of San Pietro Apostolo was established later, by episcopal decree dated February 18, 1957. The feast of San Pietro is celebrated on June 29.

After the First World War, the church was filled with war materiel, including bombs, mortar shells, gelatine, cartridges, and projectiles of every caliber. According to the local history, the church may also have sheltered columns of mules during nighttime wartime movements. This account remains a possibility, not a verified fact.

Trails and Traces in the Landscape

The trail through Valle dei Biasi leads from the center of Castana to the ruined Contrade of Biasi di sotto and Biasi di sopra. Old dry-stone walls in the woods of Valle dei Biasi are reminders of former meadows that were later overgrown with vegetation. Along this trail, named destinations meet traces of earlier land use.

A paved trail begins at Contrada Pasqualetti and climbs toward the ridge of the Sogli Bianchi. In Val di Tovo, a circular route takes you past First World War installations, abandoned Contrade, and steep rock faces. The trail descriptions thus emphasize different features: a route to two named Contrade, a paved climb toward the ridge, and a circular route with historic installations and striking rock faces.

Before visiting Valle dei Biasi, it is advisable to check current trail conditions and accessibility.

Discover more destinations: Barbarano Vicentino, Asiago, Piovene Rocchette, Canova di Cereda, Mason Vicentino, Conco, Mussolente, Bertigo

Return to the main travel overview: Vicenza.