A Favourite Day Out!
24th August 2023
As one of our favourite places to visit, Campocatino is also on our list of places to take visitors.
It takes around 40 minutes to reach, passing Vagli Sotto, a village on the side of a man-made reservoir with various tourist attractions. The reservoir is filled by water from the surrounding mountains, and is a turquoise green. There is also a submerged village, which resurfaces during drought, or when the reservoir is drained for maintainance.
Passing Vagli, and following the signs for Campocatino by taking an upwards mountain road, on the last part of the journey the road is a little rougher, and there are some magnificent old trees.
You eventually reach the car park at Campocatino, which is overlooked by a marble statue.
Walk into the village and pass the Rifugio, which has a restaurant and snack bar, tourist information and souvenirs.
Then walk into the village,which was originally a cluster of shepherd huts, with large central grassed area, where they would coralle their sheep in the winter.
Children’s swings and picnic tables have been provided.
There is a small Chapel dedicated to San Viviano, with a wooden structure bell tower.
Now it has become a village of summer holiday homes, all renovated sympathetically with taste and flair. An artistic surprise around each corner.
Marble statues are also dotted around, telling the history and folklore of the area, one of which is of David Bowie, who visited.
Tracks lead into the hills for trekking, but it was just too hot for us to consider. Amazing views in all directions.
