Several nature paths cover the Virle Valley. Frequented daily by a large number of hikers, cyclists, and runners, the paths wind through an incomparable landscape, comprising rich greenery, rock walls, disused quarries and ancient traces of quarrying activity. The historic-cultural aspect is without doubt one of the fundamental features of the Marble Road region. The artistic and architectural history of Brescia and its province is closely linked with the history of the existing primary resource, Botticino marble.

So it is possible to carry out one’s own outdoor activities while becoming part of the beautiful  scenery of this area -- from the majestic rock  amphitheatres of Ventura quarry and of Corna Rossa rock-climbing wall that overlook the valley entrance, to the flowered meadows nestled among the woods that surround the eco-friendly refuge, to then pause for some refreshment in one of the several picnic areas, or finally admire the return of nature among the abandoned stone blocks of a disused quarry.
These paths and tracks touch people in different ways -- always surprising or offering moments of contemplation to those who wish to treat themselves to an opportunity to relax surrounded by nature.

 

INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY LANDSCAPES The whole Marble Road shows ancient signs of the marble culture -- a history of work and sacrifice which can be seen in the form of industrial archaeological remains. The historical features seen in the trails in the Road’s landscape can also be found in a special exhibition area along the Marble Road in the Botticino Eco-Museum.

A CRAFT TRADITION The craft of the stonecutter has been recognised and regulated since at least the sixteenth century in the economic life of Brescia, which is proof of the existence of an ancient and deep-rooted culture of the craft. Now the official promoter of the craft is the Vantini School, founded in 1839 by the renowned neoclassic architect Rodolfo Vantini and which today has the participation of the three local councils of Brescia, Botticino and Rezzato. The school acts as a bridge between the past and the present, carrying forward the ancient working history of marble by training the new generations of professionals and investing in the artistic-cultural potential of the stone world.