THE PATH OF CHARCOAL MAKERS

Pomonte has kept the ancient tradition of charcoal burners alive. In the not-too-distant past, charcoal kilns were widespread: given the cost and distance from the places where high-calorific charcoal was mined, the transformation of wood into charcoal was used to fuel both blacksmiths’ forges and limestone pits, where limestone was turned into lime for building. As international transportation developed and, even in Italy, Lignite was mined in many places, charcoal was left with the use for which we all know it: the so-called “charcoal,” the protagonist of our barbecues. Pomonte’s charcoal, made from Holm Oak, Flowering Ash, and Strawberry Tree, is of the highest quality and gives food an unmistakable aroma. Pomonte evokes this tradition today with the “Cotta del Carbone.” By booking with the Pro Loco ( +39328 697 1048), at the end of the hike, which also touches on the ruins of the monastery of Madonna del Monte, and travels along the scenic ridge of Poggio delle Civitelle, you can participate in educational workshops on charcoal burning.

Altitude difference: 443 m

Km: 6,5

Duration: 2h15 (stops excluded)

Difficulty: E(escursionistico) easy/medium

Signage: absent

Water along the route: source along the route and at the educational workshop

Recommended season: all year round.

Trail type: trail and earthen forest roads interdicted to traffic.

Points of interest: the monastery of Madonna del Monte, educational workshop on charcoal kilns.

ROAD MAP

Reached Pomonte, from the valley of Puglia, past the built-up area marked by the bell tower, turn right onto a paved road that soon turns into an excellent gravel road and keep it for a little less than a km, until you meet the group of houses that is your starting point. Leaving the car, retrace your steps for about a hundred meters (dir. Pomonte), and on your right, you will find the entrance to the path leading to the pass. After about 500 m, at the bottom, you notice an arable widening with a “spoil” local name for water catchment. A small box on a post, open, allows you to draw water (close the tap!). If you have a full canteen, however, you will avoid having to climb back up. In the Holm oak grove, here as on the descent, you may notice circles devoid of vegetation, with dark earth bottoms: these are what remains of the once widespread charcoal kilns. Reaching the pass, a beautiful ridge route takes you to the ruins of the monastery of Madonna del Monte then, descending by route only partially coinciding with that of the outward journey, go to the educational workshop and, from here, to the car.
Be careful on hunting days, at the hunting posts: if manned, announce your presence before passing through.

For more:

https://www.turismogualdocattaneo.it/ita/23/associazioni/45/pro-loco-pomonte/
https://www.facebook.com/proloco.pomonte
https://www.instagram.com/proloco_pomonte
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbone_vegetale
https://www.iluoghidelsilenzio.it/chiesa-e-monastero-della-madonna-del-monte-o-de-civitellis-bevagna-pg/

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