The Maple Tree of Monte Schilpario

Crossing Val di Scalve, one has the feeling that the traditional soul of the place has remained unchanged and that the aptitude for tourism has not affected its authenticity.

A valley rich in history and lush nature, where the inhabitants have been able to create (and recreate after the Gleno dam disaster of 1923) villages in perfect balance with their surroundings. Climbing towards the Passo del Vivione (1828 m a.s.l.), one dives even further into mountain landscapes of the highest aesthetic quality. One of the most surprising points is located 6 km after Schilpario, at an altitude of 1,500 metres, where, surrounded by striking coniferous forests, a vast clearing appears at the foot of the Rifugio Cimon Bagozza lodge. This is dotted with charming sycamore maples (Acer pseudoplatanus), which make the place truly magical.

One out of all of them really surprises. It is a perfect specimen in a central position, which only when you get closer do you realise how big it really is. It is very rare to come across a sycamore maple of such size and with such an elegant bearing. The trunk has a circumference of almost 4 metres (diameter 125 cm) and the height exceeds 20 metres. For nature lovers, it is well worth driving to its footsteps via the Vivione road, which a few kilometres before meets the interesting Andrea Bonicelli Mining Park, or enjoying a walk along the trails up from Schilpario.

A green monument that is accessible to the public.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)