La via del Confine

So called because it follows the line of the border of the Castiglione area. Arriving from Solferino, the first stop on the route is Grole (a hamlet in Castiglione), continuing along Via Valle Scura you arrive at the locality of Astore: inserted in the heart of the morainic hills of Castiglione delle Stiviere, the hamlet of Astore is immersed in a characteristic agricultural landscape inside which there is an interesting wetland, located to the north of the hamlet, connected with the Albana vessel, which flows immediately further downstream passing next to the town. Following the border road you arrive at the Valle Wetland: although it constitutes a small part of the territory of Castiglione delle Stiviere, it represents an oasis of peace for flora and fauna, offering an immense wealth in terms of animal species ( the rare bittern, the red, white and gray heron, the kingfisher, the coot, the little grebe, the marsh harrier) and plants (the reed thickets, the sedges, the hygrophilous woods, the herbaceous riparian vegetation and the abundant presence of the very rare viola major). Located in the center of a large wooded area, including a recently planted educational forest, it constitutes a small corner of paradise for all nature lovers. The route continues arriving at the Church – Hermitage of Santa Maria Delle Rose (Ghisiola): a charming little church immersed in the green hilly landscape, it is a place of reflection and religious silence. Here Marta Tana, the mother of San Luigi Gonzaga, went to pray in front of the fresco of the Madonna of the Roses. The border route ends with the arrival at the Prato Arido di Monte Merlo: the presence of arid meadows gives it great naturalistic biodiversity. The presence of some species of orchids and a notable entomological fauna are notable, among which various species of butterflies, reptiles, small mammals and birds stand out, including many birds of prey.