Loc. Melette di Foza
Latitude: 45,909102 | Longitude: 11,603118
Plateau area/s:
Activities and services
Summer pasturing
– Mountain grazing is the uphill journey of the livestock to the Alpine pasture.
– It is recommended to check the website and social media profiles of the malga for updated activities and services.
Located on the southern slopes of Monte Spil, the malga occupies the vast slope north of Frattoni, where gorgeous views can be enjoyed in every direction, particularly over Val Miela and the Foza and Gallio contradas. Managing malga operations is rather demanding owig to the steepness of its slopes. Thanks to the particularly favourable exposure, the pastures begin production earlier than others at similar altitudes. The malga is part of the Ecomuseo della Grande Guerra called “Melette di Foza”. Alongside the path there are stands with texts by important authors who have fought here: this literary trail leads to the discovery of the territory and the events that involved it, crossing the “Città di roccia” and climbing up onto Monte Fior and Monte Castelgomberto. The Malga Montagnanova Observatory, which can be reached in just a few minutes going south west, is an interesting observation point entirely excavated into the rock, in a tunnel.
Competent body:
Comune di FOZA
ID code
Altitude (m)
Surface area (ha)
Livestock
LSU no.
Pasture
Woods
Ponds
ID code
32
Altitude (m)
1724
Surface area (ha)
109,93
Livestock
Sheep
LSU no.
81
Pasture
Festucas, nardeto
Woods
Spruce forest, beech trees
Ponds
3
How to get there
From the Foza town center, follow the road to Enego for 2 km to Lazzaretti loc. Turn left at the fork for Marcesina and continue for about 3 km. Take the narrow road on the left for Malga Fratte and continue for 1.3 km until you reach the fork for Malga Zomo. Continue for 3.2 km until you reach Malga Lora. From there, continue for 1 km as far as the fork for Malga Montagnanova. Take the road to the right until you reach the malga after about 750 m.
Do you want to have the best experience in the malga?
When you arrive at the malga, you’re entering the “home” of the malga operator population and their livestock: It’s a welcoming environment, rich with fascination, everything is to be discovered but also respected. Here are our recommendations for you!
The malga operator lifestyle is characterized by hardwork that starts before dawn and continues even after sundown. For example…Did you know that there two times set apart for milking? One before breakfast and another in the late afternoon.
Also, feel free to ask information but avoid going into work areas inaccessible to the public and be discrete: speaking too loudly may scare the livestock and disturb whomever is enjoying the peace of the mountain.
They are passive and docile animals but their size could put you in uncomfortable situations…or somewhat inappropriate behaviors could frighten them and provoke dangerous and unusual reactions.
It’s enough to maintain an adequate distance, avoid taking pictures from too close up, touching them, bothering them or looking them directly in the eye.
If you are with your dog, remember to keep it on a leash and under control.
When you find yourself near some cows, it’s better to avoid sudden movements, walk slowly and without getting anxious. And, if they were to get too close, distance yourself calmly and without turning your back to them!
They watch over the livestock and often offer a warm welcome to guests. Don’t worry: They are not dangerous. Treat them with respect and you will become good friends. If you are on a bike, slow down to avoid mean falls caused by demonstrations of affection a little too… overwhelming!
Those who follow the itineraries and visit the malgas know well how wonderful nature is, with its breathtaking landscapes. This is the reason why it is important not to pollute it with waste that can be taken home and properly recycled or disposed of.
The herdsmen of the plateau and the animals that live there are very fond of tourists who enjoy the wonderful days with walks, fresh air and relaxation… respecting the woods and pastures!!
