Mount Cengio

From Piazzale Principi di Piemonte (1286 m), take the path on the left, a gentle climb (sign 651 Monte Cengio) that leads into a beautiful mixed forest of mainly beeches. After passing a building, the journey into history begins, accompanied by numerous educational panels that narrate the battle of 1916 and other events. Immediately after the Cannoniera tunnel, there is a crossroads - here you can go either way, since the two tracks link up later: on the right, you go up to a system of trenches and then descend into the tunnel; on the left, you cross a first tunnel and, after an open panoramic area, reach another large aperture. Here we continue to the left, even though the arrow points to the right (this returns you to the trenches described above), and a long stretch of dark tunnel begins where it is recommended to carry a torch. In the middle of the tunnel there is a narrow passage on the left that leads to what was the cistern; from here, you can look at the valley below for another perspective. At the end of the long tunnel, you find yourself on a road literally cut into the rock and cliff-side. An exposed but wide and safe path, enclosed by metal handrails, with a striking effect as it winds along flat while following the curves of the mountain and pointing in the direction of the church of the Grenadiers of Sardinia.

Once in the vicinity of the church, there is an additional turning point. The right takes you directly up towards Piazzale Granatieri but you must instead go left, downhill. The evocative path carved into the rock passes right under the church, entering the tunnel (1213 m), and although it is barely perceptible, it "screws" down on itself to gain altitude. Then follows another exciting precipice stretch that circumvents the actual summit, which can be identified from the cross above us, to reach a spectacular carving in the rock called the Grenadier Jump, which can be squeezed into.

Another tunnel is crossed, this time with electric lighting and rooms on the sides as it was originally the command centre and first aid location during the battle of 1916; you then reach the clearing of Piazzale Pennella where there are further signs indicating the peaks and surrounding areas.

At this point, take the dirt track on the left that climbs quite steeply up to the Sacred site of Monte Cengio (1354 m), where there is an altar and the large cross that was previously glimpsed. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Val d'Astico and the Vicenza valley, as well as a view from above of the road carved into the rock which you just crossed.

All around this area, you can wander about in search of other posts, trenches, ruins and remains of fortifications.

Going back to Pennella Square, you continue on the dirt track downhill that crosses a new shady forest and eventually leads to the chapel erected in memory of the Grenadiers of Sardinia. Look closely at the monument next to the chapel: it was built using the remains of wire fencing and metal recovered from the battle (shrapnel from the grenades can be identified).

Soon after this, you arrive at Piazzale Granatieri where there is a shelter and the asphalt path begins. From here, you can either take the path on the right that leads back to the walkways, following the same road as the outward route, or follow the asphalt road, first uphill, then downhill, which leads back to the starting area in about one kilometre.