Distance: 17,9 Km
Walking time: 5,15 hours
The third and final stage of the Eastern Route begins at the Sanctuary of Grosotto. From here, the route crosses the village toward the Grosotto lakes, an area known for sport fishing, and then continues along the Orobic side of the valley floor, following for a stretch the same path as the “Sentiero dei Castelli” (Path of the Castles).Continuing on, the route passes through several small towns rich in history, following secondary roads and alternating between stretches of woods, wild forests, and countryside.
At the foot of Mortirolo Pass, you arrive at Mazzo di Valtellina, an ancient village that was once home to one of the oldest parishes in Valtellina, featuring the church of St. Stephen and Palazzo Lavizzari.
Still skirting the valley floor, through fields and apple orchards, the path reaches the uppermost houses of Tovo S. Agata, then reenters the woods and chestnut groves, where you’ll find the church of Madonna di Caravaggio with its oratory, locally known as the “Madunina” church, also dedicated to St. Mark.
The trail continues to the church of St. Alexander in Lovero, which was once the parish church, and from there reaches the church of St. Mary of Grace, the current parish church.
Along farm roads, among vast apple orchards, the route arrives at Sernio, with its beautiful town hall square, from where it leaves the Orobic slope and heads toward the central valley, reaching Valchiosa hamlet.
From there, the route crosses the Adda River bridge and joins the Sentiero Valtellina, heading toward Tirano and the Sanctuary, the final destination of the Cammino Mariano delle Alpi.
