The view from the St. Apollonia Church, which stands on an ancient settlement area, reaches as far as the rugged Dolomites
Image gallery: Sirmiano di Sopra
Sirmiano di Sopra, or Upper Sirmiano, is already located high above the valley and above Nalles village, on the border of the mountain and forest region at an altitude of about 1,000 metres. The village is known for the idyllic St. Apollonia Church. It has been enthroned on a towering porphyry hill since the 12th or 13th century: A bronze bracelet found here proves that this area was already inhabited at that time. The panoramic view is stunning and reaches as far as the Dolomite peaks in the distance. To the northeast are the Mt. Ivigna and Mt. Cervina, to the northwest the two Mt. Luco peaks and to the west the Mendola Ridge with the steep face of the Monte Macaion.
The landscape is characterised by chestnut trees and invites to hikes in every season. A tour of medium difficulty shows you the surroundings of Sirmiano, Sirmiano di Sopra (Obersirmian) and Grissiano on foot and leads past several places to stop for refreshments. Some of them are wine taverns and farm inns that serve traditional dishes. In autumn they invite you to the popular evenings with Toerggele meals such as roasted chestnuts and slaughter platter and grape must.
Sirmiano di Sopra can also be reached from the bottom of the valley. You can follow the Appiano High Route from Gaido and then climb higher and higher up the slopes of the Mendola Ridge until you reach the hamlet. The route first leads through the Gaido Gorge near Appiano to the ruins of Castelforte Castle, and then to the Apollonia Inn and the Jägerwirt, the places to stop in Sirmiano di Sopra. They are located next to the little St. Apollonia Church respectively at the foot of the hill.
