From the St. Apollonia Church on ancient settlement grounds, the view extends to the Dolomites
Image gallery: Sirmiano di Sopra
High above the valley and the main village of Nalles, on the border of the mountain and forest region, lies Sirmiano di Sopra at an altitude of around 1,000 metres. The small village is known for the St. Apollonia Church, perched atop a towering porphyry hill. It has stood here since the 12th or 13th century. A bronze bracelet found there proves that this area was settled at that time.
The panoramic view is fantastic, extending to the peaks of the Dolomites. To the north-east, the Picco Ivigna and Mt. Punta Cervina rise up, to the north-west, the two peaks of the Monte Luco, and to the west, the Mendola Ridge with the steep face of the Monte Macaion. Mighty chestnut trees characterise the landscape and invite you to hike in every season. A moderately difficult tour leads you through the area around Sirmiano, Sirmiano di Sopra and Grissiano, passing some inns.
Some of these are "Buschenschänke" - traditional taverns serving local food and wine. In autumn, they entice visitors with Toerggele specialities such as roasted chestnuts and "Schlachtplatte", a platter of various cuts of boiled pork accompanied by new wine. Sirmiano di Sopra (Obersirmian) can also be reached from the valley. Simply follow the Appiano High Route from Gaido near Appiano and hike ever higher up the slopes of the Mendola Ridge until you reach the hamlet.
The route first leads through the Gaido Gorge to the ruins of Castelforte Castle, dating back to the early 13th century, and then on to the Gasthof Apollonia and the Jägerwirt. These taverns in Sirmiano di Sopra are located next to St. Apollonia Church or at the foot of the hill respectively.
