Saturday the 3oth of December 2017, the Municipality of Cantoira in the Lanzo Valleys will host the annual candlelight walk from the Santa Cristina Sanctuary, situated 1.340 metres above sea level, down to the Cantoira village, 750 metres above sea level.

The end-of-the-year Santa Cristina Sanctuary candlelight walk is a yearly well-established tradition for the Cantoira Municipality. The Sanctuary is accessible by walk from the Trambiè locality (740 m.) in Cantoira, where cars can be parked in the sports complex.

The Sanctuary lies 1.340 metres above sea level in a rocky spur overlooking the low Grande Valley and the Ala Valley. Its origins are unknown, but the spur already hosted in the XV Century a pillar devoted to the Saint Cristina of Bolsena, built after the appearance of the Saint to a local shepherd. The pillar, along with original votive frescoes, is still preserved in the Sanctuary.

Programme:

14:30           Meeting point with all participants by the bridge “Case Michiardi” and distribution of the torches, water and walk vests at the “Trambiè” locality

15:30            The hike to the Santa Cristina Sanctuary starts

19:30            Distribution of the wind-proof torches and beginning of the  downhill candlelight walk to return to the village

22:00           Arrival in the village where a bonfire will be lightened up – distribution of mulled wine and hot chocolate

For the occasion, the Sacred Eco-Museum, hosting the record-breaker Christmas Creche, will be open to visitors.

Technical details:

Difficulty level: E (Hiking trails) – EE (hiking trails in the snow)

Elevation drop: around 600 metres

Walking time upwards: 1 h 30’

Walking time downwards: around 2 h

It is highly recommended to make use of trekking equipment, head torch and suitable clothes (high risk of dirtying the clothes with candle wax!).

Bookings:

Hikers can book their hike by calling the numbers +39 3898379177 +39 3272558380

or by dropping an email to info@turismovallidilanzo.it

Advanced reservations are highly appreciated!