Ferrata di San Silvestro

Overview

The Chiesetta di San Silvestro, partway up the slopes of Monte Totoga, is the distinctive small church that gives the Ferrata di San Silvestro its name. The equipped route is relatively short and generally easy, with a few brief passages that can be classed as moderately difficult.

The itinerary consists of two consecutive sections. The first takes about 20 minutes, beginning with moderately difficult ground that gradually eases. The second takes about 25 minutes and is generally easy, but includes two more exposed passages, also moderately difficult. The first fixed equipment is reached in less than 5 minutes from the parking area.

The route lies at around 600 m above sea level, with limited overall elevation gain and a quick return. Its short approach, limited physical demands, moderate exposure and continuous protection make it suitable for beginners and walkers seeking an easy via ferrata in Primiero, without long vertical walls or technically demanding sections.

Access is from Strada Statale 50 del Grappa e del Passo Rolle, heading uphill from Feltre towards the Primiero plateau. After Lake Schenér, before the roundabout for Imer and the tunnel towards Canal San Bovo, a pull-off is signed Falesia San Silvestro. A larger parking area is on the opposite side of the road.

Approach

From the parking area, the cliff is immediately visible above the woods, as is the promontory carrying the Chiesetta di San Silvestro, the destination of the outing. Follow the signs for Falesia di Sal Silvestro to a sign on the right marking the start of the route, identified by the usual red panel. Allow about 5 minutes.

The short woodland approach reveals the terrain: compact rock broken by steps and small natural ledges. The diagonal line of the ascent is visible from below, following natural features without abrupt interruptions or sudden changes of direction.

Via Ferrata

The first equipped section starts on a well-protected vertical stretch, with metal steps, natural holds and rock steps alternating regularly. After this more sustained opening, the line gradually turns left on a diagonal ascent over rocky steps fitted with metal rungs.

Progress is continuous, with steady height gain. A sequence of vertical rungs precedes a short equipped wall. A few metres of path and the final metal steps lead to the wooded plateau at the end of the first part, about 150 m above the parking area. This section has an initial moderately difficult phase followed by easy ground.

Follow the path for about 5 minutes to a junction near an electricity pylon. The Sandokan route for youngsters is signed to the left. Continuing straight leads into the second section of the ferrata, 20 minutes from the start, slightly longer but similar in difficulty to the first. An early return path connects here with the final descent.

After about 15 minutes in the undergrowth, reach the next fixed equipment. Three almost level equipped path sections run close to the cliff. Easy rocky steps with a few metal steps and a traverse to the left follow.

A vertical wall about 10 m high, fitted with numerous rungs, is the first of the route's two most exposed points, though still classed as moderately difficult. A small viewpoint overlooks the valley: Lake Schenér and the main road lie to the right, with the first buildings of Imer and Mezzano to the left.

The ascent continues over short vertical sections alternating with easier ground. A traverse to the right precedes a long sequence of irregularly spaced metal steps over about 15 m. This is the second particularly exposed section and gains height quickly.

Rocky passages and natural steps follow, alternating short vertical sections and traverses. A long, easy sideways stretch, also sheltered by the vegetation below, skirts the wall. An oblique uphill track on earthy ground, assisted by a cord on the left, overcomes a further step. A short section of earth, potentially muddy after heavy rain, precedes the final metres of equipped uphill path.

A red sign marks the end of the equipment at the Chiesetta di San Silvestro, a viewpoint overlooking the valley: 25 minutes from the start of the second section, about 1 hour from the start of the ferrata, and about 1 h 5 min from the parking area.

Descent

A sign at the end of the ferrata indicates two return options.

The recommended option follows trail 349 for about 40 minutes to the provincial road at Masi di Imer, near the Al Bus restaurant. Another 10 minutes returns to the parking area, crossing the paved road and the roundabout in front of the tunnel: 50 minutes from the end of the ferrata.

Alternatively, follow trail 346 to Passo Gobbera, then descend towards Imer on the provincial road or take the dirt road/path that rejoins the first option lower down. Allow about 1 h 30 min in total.

Notes

The relatively low elevation allows year-round use, while possible snow and ice require attention in winter. The southeast-facing slope receives strong sun on particularly hot summer days, although vegetation shelters parts of the route.

Local tradition says that the Chiesetta di Sal Silvestro was originally intended to stand just above the houses of Masi di Imer. However, the stones carried there by hand were found each morning higher up on the cliff. Interpreting this as a sign of the saint's wishes, people chose the present site for the church, symbolically protecting the valley.