CAPPELLE, ORATORI, TABERNACOLI
Wayside shrine of Balassini
Wayside shrine of Balassini
This wayside shrine is located next to the bridge at Fosso del Capanno on the track that goes from Bagno, through le Gualchiere, to Passo Serra (the "Val di Bagno Trek" and CAI Path No. 177). Also known as the "Shrine of Lorenzo Birbone", it has appeared in documents at least since the end of the seventeenth century. Its shape is unusual for this area, and this small construction was also used for shelter in case of bad weather for those venturing on the journey to Passo Serra. It was restored in 1994 by the Balassini family from Le Gualchiere and a panel in carved sandstone called the "Madonna del galestro" by Silvano Fabiani was placed inside. The shrine was damaged by the rains of last spring, and the sandstone panel removed by persons unknown.
It is situated on the side of the rough track (CAI 177 and Val di Bagno Trek) that goes from Bagno to Passo Serra. From Bagno di Romagna go south along the SP. 138 road; having gone past the turning for the Mandrioli road, you reach a clearing where you must continue on foot along the trail that runs through the hamlet of Gualchiere and follow the red and white signs (1.5 km).