Redeemer’s footprint and the Botro della Canonica

A short walk in the woods, full of legends.

As you go along the road that climbs up to the extraordinary medieval village of Sassa, amidst landscapes of untouched authenticity and beauty, take a detour to the right to find yourself at the starting point of a short but significant route full of legends. “A legend links Sassa to the early years of Christianity, when the encounter between St Peter and Christ the Redeemer took place in the woods of Montalpruno. At the Botro della Canonica, in La Chiesa (of which just a few ruins, partially covered by vegetation, are visible today) where Peter is said to have taken refuge from Roman persecution, the Lord appeared to him and asked him the famous question: Quo vadis Domine? Having received the invitation to follow him to Rome and to accept martyrdom, Peter is said to have left this spot where the footprint of Christ’s foot is said to have remained on a stone at the side of the road. The legend explains the vivid cult of Christ the Redeemer that has been rooted in Sassa for centuries” (from “Guida alla Val di Cecina” by Susanne Mordhorst). All of this route takes place within the forest.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.