The path of the Girolimini

Overview

The Sentiero dei Girolimini (Girolimini Path) is an evocative trail that mixes landscape and history, leading to the summit of Mount Summano. At 1296 meters, Mount Summano is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Venetian Pre-Alps, attracting locals and visitors alike. The trail begins in Piovene Rocchette (VI) and leads, after a walk of about 2.30-3 hours, to the Cross on the summit of the mountain.

Departure

The Girolimini Trail begins in the historic center of Piovene Rocchette.

Parking in “Birreria Vecia.”
Climb up through a flight of steps leading to the “Fontanon.”
Climb to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Angel (533 m).
- This section can be walked along the Girolimini trail, taking the path on the left after the fountain, or by car along the Via Crucis road.

Itinerary

Follow the signs past the Shrine of Our Lady of the Angel.
Continue along the long, wide and well-maintained mule track that continues for a good part inside the forest.
- During the ascent, it is possible to stop in a large meadow that offers a striking view of the Po Valley and, on better days, the Adriatic Sea.
After about 2 hours of walking, we reach the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Summano.
- Here is the “Baita Genzianella,” run by the MASCI of Santorso, where refreshments can be found.
To get to the cross, continue for another 20 minutes or so via trails and shortcuts to the summit (1296 m).

History of the Girolimini Trail

The mule track leading to the summit of Mount Summano has existed since ancient times as a pilgrimage road.
The name “Sentiero dei Girolimini” dates back to 1452, when the small monastery on Summano was entrusted to the friars of St. Jerome (called Girolimini).
- The friars enlarged and embellished the shrine and settled in the village of Piovene Rocchette, building a convent and hospice for pilgrims headed to the summit of Mount Summano.
In the following centuries, the Piovene convent, hermitage and shrine enjoyed considerable fame throughout the Veneto region and were the destination of pilgrimages for the graces and miracles dispensed by Our Lady.
A 1777 decree of the Senate of the Venetian Republic ordered the suppression of many religious orders and convents, including that of Piovene, and the Summano Sanctuary fell into decay.
Reconstruction was only possible in 1892 thanks to the initiative of the Santorso parish priest and funding from Senator Alessandro Rossi.
The Girolimini friars were recalled and settled in a villa in Santorso until the order was suppressed in 1933.
In 1923, Catholic Action had a 16-meter concrete cross erected as a reminder of the Great War. Severely damaged by lightning, it was fitted with a lightning rod, and the image of Christ was added in 1993 on the occasion of the 10-year climb to Mount Summano.

Useful information about the Girolimini Trail

Starting point: “Birreria Vecia” in Piovene Rocchette or the Shrine of Our Lady of the Angel.
Season: All seasons.
Length: 6 km outward and 6 km return. 12 km total for an elevation gain of 950 m. From Piovene Rocchette (277 m) to the Sanctuary Madonna del Summano (1200 m), increases another 96 m for those who want to get to the cross.
Difficulty: Medium-easy (CAI = Hiking). The trail is wide and well traveled, perfectly maintained but in some sections impassable. It is somewhat strenuous and quite long. It is not to be underestimated and should be approached with footwear suitable for hiking.