Puos Dʼalpago: History and Trails

Puos Dʼalpago combines a long local history with practical starting points for culture, walking and cycling. To understand the place, historical milestones are just as helpful as the different routes: they range from a signposted route with a fixed starting point to a cycling connection between two places.

History across several periods

The history of Puos Dʼalpago in Roman times is evidenced by coin finds. In the 16th century, the area became an important economic center thanks to its many water-powered workshops. These two milestones draw attention to different aspects: the finds point to archaeological traces of the Roman era, while the workshops highlight the area’s economic importance in the early modern period. The town’s historical profile thus extends from material evidence of antiquity to the use of water power in local working life.

The churches also offer concrete historical reference points. The old church of S. Pietro a Valzella dates from the 16th century. The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo Apostolo in Puos Dʼalpago was founded in the 15th century. Its main altar features an altarpiece painted in 1617 by Francesco Frigimelica il Vecchio. It depicts the Madonna and Child, along with Saints Bartholomew and Nicholas. The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo Apostolo thus brings together two distinct historical references: its 15th-century foundation and the later painting from 1617.

Festive traditions and remembrance

The Sagra di San Bartolomeo adds a festive tradition to this historical picture: it has been documented since 1583 and is celebrated on August 24. The program may vary from year to year; the feast day provides a fixed point on the calendar. Another memorial is a wayside shrine on the road near Valzella. It stands to the left of the road when heading towards Torch and commemorates the cholera epidemic of 1836. The festival and the shrine represent two different historical layers: a recurring celebration and the memory of a specific event in the 19th century.

Walking and cycling routes

The signposted “Puos Natura” trail starts at the sports grounds in Puos. The 13 km pilgrimage route leads to Irrighe; on arrival, the pilgrims are welcomed at the church for Mass. This means there is a clear distinction when choosing a route: Puos Natura is defined by its starting point, while the pilgrimage route is defined by its distance, destination and welcome at Mass.

The cycling route also has a clearly named destination: Puos d'Alpago is connected to Farra d'Alpago by a route suitable for children. The route runs over gravel and firm earth. This gives the cycling route a different character from the walking routes: its description combines suitability for children with the surface and destination, while Puos Natura is defined by its starting point and the pilgrimage route by its distance and arrival at the church.

Discover more destinations: San Gregorio Nelle Alpi, Seren del Grappa, Pescul, Dosoledo.

Go to the main travel overview: Belluno.