The event is partly based on history mixed with legend.
In Frassenè, a village and fraction of the municipality of Fonzaso, it was said that in the Middle Ages at the foot of Mount Vallorca there was a gold mine which was later closed with large boulders and rocks to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. In the early 1900s, local boys searched for the mine, digging and moving boulders in search of the access tunnel with just a few tools and often with bare hands, which is why the inhabitants of Frassenè are nicknamed “I SASS GRATA’ DE FRASSENE’.”
It is said that after digging for days, they found the tunnel and, navigating through this cavity, arrived at a larger chamber that reflected golden hues in the light of their torches. They tried to detach these small golden specks and nuggets from the rocks with their few tools and bare hands. Having collected these few finds, they rushed back to the village to have their treasure checked. They presented themselves to some influential figures in the capital of Fonzaso but were met with ridicule and mockery because, according to these “pseudo” experts, that was not gold. They became suspicious because they were asked many questions about the location, the cave, how much material there was, etc.
They understood that someone wanted to take possession of the mine. On their way home, they told each other that they were poor and would remain poor, but no one would seize their mine. They climbed back up the mountain, covered the entrance with stones, branches, and brushwood, and no one ever heard anything more.
Event Program
6:00 PM: meeting at the Piazzetta of Frassenè
6:30 PM: departure for the tour by lantern light
Approx. 8:00 PM: return to Frassenè where a refreshment with typical products and chestnuts will be held
Route suitable for all but trekking clothing is necessary,
