Past the village of Mezzoldo, the provincial road no. 9 climbs for about four kilometers before suddenly opening into the magnificent basin of Ponte dell’Acqua, one of the most evocative corners of the Upper Brembana Valley. Here the landscape changes rapidly: the valley widens, the peaks rise majestically, and the green pastures invite excursions of all levels, from the simplest trekking to the most challenging alpine climbs. In this idyllic setting stands the charming little church of Madonna delle Nevi, built at the end of the nineteenth century, today a place of peace and spirituality immersed in nature.
Continuing along the provincial road, you'll pass through the two small medieval hamlets of Castello and Fraccia, where ancient stones and rural architecture tell stories of the mountains and the border. The road then leads to the San Marco Pass, at almost 2000 meters, one of the most important historical passes in the Orobie Alps. Once a border between the Republic of Venice and the Grisons, crossed by the famous Via Priula, today the pass is a favorite destination for motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers attracted by the beauty of its panorama.
From the crest of the watershed, the view opens up in all directions: to the south, it overlooks the entire Brembana Valley, reaching the plains and, on the clearest days, even the distant profile of the Apennines; to the north, instead, the view descends into the Bitto Valley, embraces Valtellina, and is lost among the shimmering peaks of the Retic Alps.
Next to the pass stands the historic toll house, which once offered shelter to travelers on the Via Priula. Nearby is the Rifugio Passo San Marco 2000, an ideal resting place for those who love to experience the mountains in all seasons.
In autumn, this already extraordinary scenario is enriched by the colors of paraglider sails, which often take off from the pass and soar in the sky, landing near the cantonier's house or on the plains of Alta Mora. A place where nature, history, and freedom merge into an unforgettable experience.
San Marco Pass Refuge 2000 Bar / Pub, Shelter, Restaurant
