Holiday apartment in Zone – Erosion Pyramids, Trails and Churches

Zone combines unusual landscape formations with a rich cultural heritage. The Riserva Regionale delle Piramidi di Erosione di Zone was established in 1984, covers approximately 21 hectares and lies at an altitude between 400 and 600 metres above sea level. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Zone, you can therefore plan your stay around experiences in nature, walking trails and historic churches.

Earth Pyramids and the Reserve’s Landscape

The numerous earth pyramids in the Riserva Regionale Piramidi di Zone are the defining feature of the landscape. Their broad caps consist of resistant rock; the formations were created by the erosion of an original moraine deposit. The landscape therefore offers a striking destination for anyone who wants to consciously experience unusual geological formations.

Hiking Trails, Trekking and Valurbes

The Piramidi di Zone nature reserve has a moderately difficult trekking route measuring 2.5 kilometres, with 160 metres of elevation gain and a duration of approximately one hour. For longer walks, the Antica Strada Valeriana north of the Zone cemetery leads from the paved road onto an old cobbled path into Valurbes. The section near Zone reaches Passo Croce di Zone at an altitude of 903 metres. Several hiking trails intersect there, while the path continues into Valle Camonica.

Along the Antica Strada Valeriana on Via Valurbes, north of the village of Zone, lies the site of the archosaur footprints. It is approximately one kilometre or around a twenty-minute walk from the Zone cemetery. Free parking spaces are available at the cemetery.

Churches, Art and Special Walking Trails

San Giorgio a Cislano dates from the 12th century and is considered the first documented church in the Zone area. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista is located in the upper part of Zone and houses works by Andrea Fantoni. Its present building was constructed between 1675 and 1680; its altars are considered an important link in the history of 17th- and 18th-century wood sculpture.

The Church of Santi Ippolito e Cassiano was built in the 15th century and has preserved its original form. Its interior is completely decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, the Evangelists and the Doctors of the Church. A ramp with eight small chapels leads to this church. They were built in the second half of the 20th century as votive offerings for peace.

Another way to experience art outdoors is the Bosco degli Gnomi in Zone. The walking trail begins on the outskirts of the village and features 44 wooden sculptures by the local artist Luigi Zatti, known as Il Rosso. In addition to trekking and geological discoveries, visitors can therefore choose from sacred art, wood sculpture and a sculpture-filled walking trail.

Nature, Trails and Culture in Zone

Specific natural and cultural destinations in Zone include the earth pyramids, the moderately difficult trekking route in the reserve, the Bosco degli Gnomi, and the churches of San Giorgio a Cislano, San Giovanni Battista and Santi Ippolito e Cassiano.

Discover More Places

If you would like to compare other places for your travel plans in addition to Zone, also discover Trebbio, Offlaga, Nigoline Bonomelli, Paitone, Borgo San Giacomo, Vione, Breno and Puegnago Del Garda.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brescia.