Rimini. Walking the Covignano hill
Tracking at the fingertips of the people of Rimini: success for the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trail of Covignano.
A pedestrian-cycling path around Covignano Hill, a route amidst history and art of one of the most evocative hilly areas of the territory, also thanks to its proximity to the town.
Walking along it means beoming quickly surrounded by easily-reachable nature and nature that is “walkable” or “rideable” by mountain bike.
This new CAI trail, inaugurated in May 2021, can also be discovered with the guides in charge of the Rimini CAI trail group, or by following the more than 100 horizontal signposts (white and red as is customary for marking trails) and the 27 vertical signposts (directional arrows).
The loop trail is 6.5 km long, with a difference in height of 160 meters, for an estimated walking time of 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
The itinerary
Specifically, the route starts from the square below the Santuario delle Grazie, (Sanctuary of Grace) the Franciscan complex built at the end of the fourteenth century (1391-1396). On the opposite side of the entrance to the Sanctuary is the Museo degli Sguardi (Museum of Gazes), an exhibition of the ethnographic collections of the Municipality of Rimini.
After walking along Via Vasari and Via delle Fonti, you arrive at Piazzale Ruffi and head down Via Covignano in the direction of Scolca Abbey. The shady road leading to Scolca Abbey then to Villa Belvedere allows you to catch a glimpse of the lush vegetation of the hillside. The climb to Scolca Abbey is rewarded with a splendid view of the Ausa Valley, framed by olive trees. Beyond the entrance to Villa Belvedere, you skirt the park, where pine, linden, oak and old laurel trees tower above you. To the right is a view of the slopes of San Fortunato, the lower Marecchia Valley and the coast. The hilltop hosts the convent building of San Girolamo, the subject of archaeological excavations and restoration.
At Villa Battaglia, you turn onto Via Monterotondo, among recently planted olive groves. Opposite Villa Francolini, a small woods of holm oaks recalls that of the Graces. More olive groves and houses follow until you pass the barrier, where the dirt road begins, leading to Galvanina square. The path proceeds along the foot of the hill.
At Cà Palloni it is possible to vary the route by going up Via San Lorenzo a Monte until you rejoin Via Covignano and are in the vicinity of Scolca Abbey, from where you return to the starting point. Via della Carletta still runs sunken and narrow, with the hillsides to the right. You end the route by going up the dirt road that continues with Via delle Fonti until you come to Via Vasari on the left then the Santuario delle Grazie.
