Monte Summano (1298 m a.s.l.) is limited to the north by the Astico Valley, to the east and south by the high Vicenza plain while, towards the west, it connects to the Pasubio massif via Monte Novegno. The territory belongs to the municipalities of Schio, Santorso, Piovene Rocchette and Velo d’Astico.
The top of the mountain has certainly been popular for many centuries. The numerous artifacts found (especially coins) span a period ranging from the mid-6th century BC to the entire 4th century AD. Votive statuettes from the Paleovenetian and Roman epochs in bronze and silver were also found; They are partly preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Santorso. On the top, there was a shrine with areas dedicated to religious practices, such as bonfires and votive offerings.
It is likely that in Roman times an Alpine military station existed here, connected to the famous castrum discovered at the foot of the mountain. Furthermore, the Summano has always been a place of worship and at the same time of mystery. Pilgrimages, pagan and otherwise, have characterized this place full of myths and legends.
The ridge that connects Monte Novegno to Monte Summano was equipped, during the war, with a series of entrenchments and defensive tunnels. On the summit of Summano, at the foot of the cross, the signs of four gun emplacements remain.
Via Crucis
A dirt road built in 1892 to link the town of Santorso (250 m. a.s.l.) to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Summano (1,188 m. a.s.l.) on the summit of the mountain.
It bears witness to the sacred value attributed to this mountain since pre-Christian times. The itinerary takes place entirely on the south side of the same mountain, which is partially covered by woodland. With the mule track that climbs from the Sanctuary of the Angelo of Piovene to the summit basin, it forms the Path of the Girolimini.
The Way of the Cross, with stations marked by concrete crosses all along the way, begins at the Sanctuary of San Orso and ends near the upper Marian shrine. From there, you can continue up to the large cross on the summit (1,296 m a.s.l.).
The itinerary has important panoramic and naturalistic points.
