3rd ROUTE: Marcena di Rumo – Terzolas (25.8 km)

From Marcena di Rumo begins the third stage of the Jacobean Way (long version), which is particularly challenging because of its duration, which is about 9 hours. It is possible to divide it into two days by stopping in the localities of Preghena or Cis.

The trek begins by leaving Rumo and entering the forest, arriving at the so-called Mezzalone, in Preghena (km 6.5). Here, in the Church of St. Anthony, a series of frescoes from the 15th century can be admired.

Driving up a section of the provincial road toward Bresimo, one plunges into the valley of the same name, into a silent landscape that seems to come from the past because of its naturalistic and ethnographic aspects. The first village encountered is Baselga di Bresimo, which is home to the important church of Santa Maria Assunta (a national monument). After Bevia and Fontana Nuova, near the Bresimo church, take the direction of the Venetian Sawmill, while the rumbling Barnès stream leads the way to Cis (km 17). Here we take the Roman road that, through orchards and woods, leads to San Giacomo di Caldes where the parish church is dedicated precisely to St. James the Greater (of Compostela).

Finally we reach first Samoclevo and then Terzolas, which is the end of the stage.

Length: 26 km
Height difference in ascent: 663 m
Downhill elevation gain: 866 m
Highest point: 1055 m
Lowest point: 683 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Rumo
Starting location: Marcena di Rumo
Municipality of arrival: Terzolas
Place of arrival: Terzolas

Recommended period: March to October

The most spectacular scenery in the Val di Sole and Val di Non opens up along the seven stages of the Jacopean Way of Anaunia, in that portion of Trentino that stretches westward toward the peaks of Adamello and Stelvio.

Anaunia is the ancient name for Val di Non, where during the Middle Ages devotion to St. James inspired many men and women from Trentino to set out as pilgrims for Santiago de Compostela. The Jacobean Way retraces some of the stages tackled and, with the slow pace of walking, leads to the discovery of the beauty of the valley, where art, history, faith and culture are intertwined, set in stupendous views.

The itinerary in Val di Non runs on country roads immersed in the silence of forests and apple orchards, but it also penetrates the area’s farming villages to experience direct contact with the valley’s inhabitants and their traditions. Places of hermitages and frescoed churches where pilgrims found refreshment are encountered along the route, which today is marked by the unmistakable yellow shells.

The Jacobean Way is within the reach of anyone, as long as they have a good workout behind them because of the length of the stages. It is passable in all seasons, with spring as most recommended: the temperatures are not too high and you can enjoy the spectacle of the apple trees in bloom.

Before setting out, obtain the Credential, which can be stamped in churches along the Camino and allows access to discounted rates at “Pilgrim Friendly” establishments. To request it, write to APT Val di Non: info@visitvaldinon.it. It will be sent home free of charge.

Credits: APT Val di Sole, APT Val di Non and Anaune Association Friends of the Camino de Santiago