San Giorgio

One of the first things you can't help but notice when you drive into Aviano are the surrounding mountains; sweeping vistas of farmland, fields and forest-covered hillsides rise quickly to the lower ramparts of the mighty Italian Dolomites. 

Only a brisk half-hour walk away from town, these hills range from rolling to steep to very steep! And are perfect for getting back in touch with nature after a week immersed in crowds, history and the constant din of city traffic. Unexpectedly we found the hills laced with numerous trails leading hither and yon. 

Hither

Yon

One of Cinzia's favorite places to visit (when the weather cooperates) is an old chapel on a nearby hill named San Giorgio - of 'Saint George and the Dragon' fame. It's the perfect place for a picnic of bread, cheese, olives and fruit since it's a short and easy hoof up to a magnificent view.

It's a lovely spot to sit and meditate on the mountains, the slowly budding trees and greening grass while letting the sun warm your bones; something all too needed in the unusually cold and wet winter most of Europe is having this year.