Val Genova and Nardis waterfalls: nature & culture

Pleasant outdoor suitable for everybody, discovering some of the most hidden jewels of Val Rendena. The itinerary starts from the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Potere (built at the beginning of the the nineteenth century), then goes on toward the well-known Nardis waterfalls, passing the old glass factory.

From here, along a circular path alongside the Sarca river, the path reaches the Gothic-Romanesque church of Santo Stefano, castled on the granite cliff overlooking the valley. The southern facade is frescoed by Simone Baschenis; the main subject is Danza Macabra: the Death is shown as a dance that warn all people about its inescapability; moreover, the seven Capital vices are represented (1519-1532). The itinerary continues down to the green area with some big centuries-old chestnut trees.

From the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Potere, go on to the old glass factory, turning into the paved road, behind the church. After passing the historical buildings of the old glass factory of the Pernici family, pass the Sarca river over two wooden bridges. Then, once reaching the opposite side of the river, continue on the right along a little path of stones and roots for about sixty meters, as far as it arrives in a dirt road. The path continues on the right along the dirt road as far as it meets a narrow bend on the left. Here you can choose to take the path along the river or to take the dirt road and then the paved road, along the dam of Val Genova.

When you reach the paved road, keep left along the dam as far as you arrive at about 20-30 meters before the bridge. Here do not cross the bridge but take the path in the wood along the river as far as you reach the refuge in front of the amazing Nardis waterfalls.

For the return, cross the bridge and stay on the left side of the river following the paved road or along the parallel “waterfalls path”, just some meters above the road. After about a couple of kilometers, passed the dam, leave the paved road and take the dirt road on the right towards the Santo Stefano church. Here admire the facade with the frescos of Danza Macabra and the view over the valley from the “3 Crosses”.

Go down to the village, less than a kilometer from the church, and reach the century-old chestnut trees in a green zone with a picnic/barbecue area, some wooden tables and benches. In the end, go back to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Potere along the main road or following the Way of the Cross capitals.