Grissiano, the starting point of our hike, is located at 900 m asl above Prissiano. We drive on the narrow road from Nalles towards Prissiano and turn off to the left shortly before the village centre. The hamlet of Grissiano has got only a few houses and farmsteads, the firestation is the highest building of the place.

First we follow the path no. 8 towards the church of St. Jacob (San Giacomo). This first section coincides with the so-called "Grissianer Besinnungsweg zu den sieben Sakramenten" (Grissiano contemplation trail of the seven sacraments) with its 7 stations. After a 25-minute walk we reach our first destination, the St. Jacob Chapel. The small church houses probably the oldest fresco depicting the Dolomites. At the time of our hike (Oct 2009) it is just being renovated.

After a short stop we continue our walk through a dense deciduous and mixed forest. After another hour we reach the hamlet of Sirmiano di Sopra in the municipal area of Nalles. Here we cross the road. The steep ascent to the St. Apollonia Chapel (Sant'Apollonia) is ahead of us - the chapel is located on a hill which offers a fantastic view on the surroundings, including Mount Sciliar and the Catinaccio massif.

Please note: in ancient times the valley floor was swampy and an arterial road led from Bolzano and Appiano towards Merano, and further on to the Val di Non valley via the Passo delle Palade. Nowadays this hill is a popular excursion destination in spring, summer and autumn alike. The hamlets of Grissiano and Sirmiano di Sopra offer several rest points.

Author: AT