- Distance and Time required: 8 km | 3h
- Elevation gain: 65mt
- Difficulty: Facile
- Starting Point: Parking in Via Gaspare Paoletti near Follina Circle
- Short description: Walk in Follina, hitting up both the village lanes and the country roads to check out this awesome little place right down by the Treviso Pre-Alps. We'll be walking with the flow of the Follina River right next to us a lot of the time. We'll stop by the Saint Scholastica Spring, see the famous Follina Abbey, take a look at the Austro-Hungarian Cemetery, and visit the little hamlet of Valmareno
- Stroller/Wheelchair accessible: Yes
The trail
Today we’re in Follina, on a route that turned out to be full of surprises — by the end of the walk we found ourselves saying, “We had no idea Follina was like this!”. Usually people stop at the Cistercian Abbey or along the Fiadora path, but today we’re doing kind of a grand tour of this town nestled at the foot of the Treviso Prealps.
From the large parking area, we head toward the roundabout, where a monument at the center recalls the water and old mills that once literally gave life to the local workshops.
Before the tavern, we turn right onto Via Cartiera — a small lane where the sound of running water keeps us company. On the left we spot the old hammer mill, then walk past the sports fields until the Follina river comes into view.
Antico Maglio
Follina CircleWe walk past the old workers’ houses of the wool mill — the crew is wild today, walking so fast we have to call them back more than once! We cross the bridge over the Follina river, turn right, and then immediately left, following the paved road.
A little book-exchange box catches the kids’ attention — they rush over, open it up, and check out what’s inside 📚. Of course, they’d love to take them all home, but we remind them they still have books waiting to be finished on their shelves!
At the T-junction we turn right, and in front of us opens a beautiful view between hills and mountains 🌄. Samuele decides to hop out of the stroller because his brothers are having way too much fun running back and forth. On our left appears a mirage… big round hay bales — or as the kids call them, “dinosaur eggs”! 🦕 Soon everyone’s jumping from one egg to another. A warning is needed: “Careful not to break them, or we’ll end up with a Jurassic Park — Follina edition!” 😄
Jumping on the Hay Bales
The Red ArchWe reach another crossroads and turn right onto Via San Clemente, walking among the houses of the village. At the junction with Via Follinetta, we pass under the red arch built in 1666 and then turn left.
This narrow street runs alongside a charming stone wall, then we turn right. In the distance, the castle of Castelbrando appears on the horizon.
We cross Via Sanavalle — one of the main streets of the village — and follow Via Calzella. On the nearby football field, a match is in full swing. Marco Albino and Sebastian stop to watch, munching on a sandwich as if they were in the stands.
The Old Wool Mill Andretta and Castelbrando
Via CalzellaAt the end of Via Calzella we find some lovely old stone houses. We turn right onto Via Santa Scolastica and we’re soon at the spring of Santa Scolastica, right next to the little shrine with the same name.
Looking at the spring, you can actually see the water bubbling straight from the foot of the mountain. This first stretch of the Follina river, which rises from the Santa Scolastica spring, flows right next to the old Andretta wool mill — a fine example of 19th-century industrial architecture.
Saint Scholastica's Spring
Follina AbbeyAt the fork, we climb left and walk up to the Cistercian Abbey of Follina. Samuele hops out while I carry the stroller up the stairs. We take a short visit inside the Basilica and the peaceful cloister — there’s even a restroom for visitors.
After the visit, we continue along Via Pallade, cross the bridge over the Corin stream, and turn left onto Via Anacleto Milani. A quick right takes us into Via del Cimitero, heading toward the Austro-Hungarian Cemetery.
We pass beside the cemetery, go beyond two tall pine trees, and reach the paved road again, turning left onto Via Altariol. On one side there are small industrial buildings, while on the other side winter-resting vineyards stretch quietly across the land.
Corin Stream Bridge
Austro-Hungarian CemeterySoon we reach Via Maestra, cross it, and walk along Via Cal de Mezzo. Ahead of us rise the Treviso Prealps — Praderadego and Col de Moi ⛰️. To our right stands Castelbrando, and farther away the bell tower of Valmareno, one of today’s destinations.
At the next junction we turn right onto Via Madonnetta and then again right toward the 17th-century Church of San Lorenzo. From there, we head back toward the main square and the Church of Valmareno.
We're in Valmareno!
Church of San LorenzoI call the troops to have free time while Evelina and I sit down. The kids, who were “so tired” just a moment ago, are now running wildly around the square. Breathing the air of these small villages feels special — especially around lunchtime, when scents and sounds echo between the old houses.
After so many village streets, it’s time for a bit of nature. This walk will soon lead us among meadows too. We take Via Salton, then Piazza Salone, almost slipping between the houses.
At the fork, we keep to the right (Via Ronche), then turn left onto Via dei Troi, heading toward the village cemetery. We walk along its edge and then follow the path through the fields.
Marco Albino suddenly picks up the pace, walking fast while his brothers chase after him laughing. Beside us stands a lovely stone farmhouse with a few big logs nearby — perfect for a balance-beam challenge that Samuele, of course, can’t resist.
Salone Square Fountain
A stone farmhouseSebastian remembers I told him last week about the ducks along the trail and asks where they are. I reassure him — we’ll see them soon, and they’ll get their snack too!
After the dirt road ends, we keep straight along the little paved lane until we reach the main road again, turning right. We pass by the Abbey — no matter how many times you see it, it never loses its charm.
We reach the main square, where Palazzo Barberis stands, and take Via Roma (next to “La Corte”). The Follina stream appears again, with a small waterfall and a few ducks resting quietly nearby.
Barberis Palace
The Follina River Our arrival wakes them up, and we toss some bread into the water, though they don’t seem eager to dive into the chilly current. We drop a few pieces on the sidewalk instead, and soon a few ducks waddle over — but suddenly a group of pigeons swoops down to claim the prize!
We move on, turning right at the crossroads, then left (Via Calcinoni), and soon after left again onto Via Molini — one of the most picturesque corners of the village, with more ducks that quickly waddle away as soon as they spot us.
Follina River
Agriturismo La BellaFrom here, we take the path through the fields on the right. To our left stands the Paoletti Wool Mill, which has been producing pure wool fabrics since 1795. From time to time, they even open their doors for guided visits, where you can see 19th-century machines still in motion — a true time capsule of craftsmanship.
After the path through the fields, we find the dirt road again, follow it straight to Via Cartiera, turn left, and soon we’re back at our car. Time to head to Agriturismo La Bella for a well-deserved, tasty break 😉🍷.
Photogallery
Dining near the walking path
Agriturismo La Bella
The dishes originate directly from the family farm, featuring meat and fish cuisine.
Via Ligonto n. 8 a Follina - Tel. 0438 970309
Gps Track
What to see
Santa Scolastica Spring – a small natural wonder that gives life to the Follina River, one of the shortest rivers in Italy. This clear karst spring flows right from the foot of the mountain, cool and crystal-clear in every season. According to tradition, it was the Benedictine monks who dedicated it to Saint Scholastica, sister of Saint Benedict – their patron saint. A peaceful spot where it just feels right to pause for a moment and listen to the sound of the water.
Cistercian Abbey of Follina – the true heart of the village. It was built in the early 1300s on the remains of an earlier Benedictine monastery. Inside, you’ll find the sandstone statue of Our Lady of the Holy Chalice, deeply cherished by the locals. The cloister, dating back to 1268, is a quiet masterpiece: a portico with light arches and pairs of slender columns, each one different, as if every stone had its own character.
Valmareno – a charming little hamlet tucked at the foot of the Praderadego Pass. Centuries ago, this was an important route connecting the Valbelluna valley to the Treviso plain, and Valmareno stood right on the path. Today it’s a quiet and timeless place, perfect for a slow wander and a deep breath of peace. ``Dining near the walking path
Agriturismo La Bella
The dishes originate directly from the family farm, featuring meat and fish cuisine.
Via Ligonto n. 8 a Follina - Tel. 0438 970309
Refreshment Points
Fountain at the beginning of the walk
Fountain in Valmareno - Piazza Salone
Agriturismo La Bella - Via Ligonto n. 8 a Follina - Tel. 0438 970309
Curiosities
The Cistercian Basilica of Follina has a Latin cross layout, with its façade facing west and the apse to the east — a choice that carried deep meaning in Christian and Cistercian symbolism. The west represents sunset, the realm of darkness, while the east stands for sunrise and resurrection. So, as the faithful entered the church, they symbolically walked a small spiritual pilgrimage — from darkness into light.