Alpi Apuane and the Via Vandelli

From Resceto to Refugio Nello Conti

Arriving around 7:30 pm from La Spezia, we walked about 10 minutes towards the center of Massa. With directions from a friendly italian lady, we found the Hotel Galleria, which is located inside a small shopping center. The sign is not visible until one enters the open passage, then an elevator on the right goes up to the hotel. A clean, spacious room with a large bath, what more to ask for? Well, a gelato and something more substantial to eat would also be nice. With the help of a waiter from the Cafe Ducale we found both. Click here for a printer friendly map of Massa page .

The next morning we decided to keep the room (very inexpensive) for 3 nights so we could hike up to Nello Conti with lighter packs. After going for breakfast, we toured the Coop grocery store and then packed and went to the bus station. Later we bought bus tickets at the magazine store on the station square (2 for each person to have one for return trip), then we waited for our bus. Finally it arrived and soon we were on our way to Resceto.
Getting off at the terminal stop in Resceto, we followed the directions up along the Via Vandelli to the Refugio Nello Conti. After passing the last houses of Resceto, the paved road soon turns into the historic Via Vandelli, a path built between 1738 and 1751 to connect the region of Modena with the city of Massa. The hike deserves a moderate to difficult rating, mostly for the total elevation gain of 3000+feet and the lack of shade. However, it's one of the most beautiful trails we have walked because of the mountain scenery and the abundant alpine and subalpine plants.

Easy to follow trail marks.		Pavement soon ends after last few houses.	The old and the new! Satellite dish in Resceto on a centuries old house. Laundry hanging out from windows and balconies is a common sight.
Just before the iron bridge are large marble slabs on the left. White marble from the Massa-Carrara area was used to create famous sculptures such as Michelangelo's David.
The old iron mine along the path.		It's a gradual, steady uphill.	Little shade, but incredible views!
		Trail marker just short of the Vandelli window.
Resceto nestling in the valley. Awesome views of the marble quarries (looks like snow) and the Mediterranean in the distance.
The Vandelli window, a flat area created to allow stage coaches a rest stop. Splendid views on both sides of the Alpi Apuane mountains.			Campaniletti steeples, only a few more minutes to the hut.
	A welcoming sight, Refugio Nello Conti. Cold beer, a great dinner, and thick comforters. Be sure to bring a 'hutsack' or sleeping bag liner if spending the night. These sheets are required in all alpine huts. They can be purchased online at REI (search for 'cocoon+sheet').
		Evening at Nello Conti

Click here for a printable page with map and directions (translated from the Refugio Nello Conti site).