Monte Castello via Via Chiesette Branchine

In fact, it is an alternative route up to Calaone. This time it starts from the locality of Meggiaro, in Este a few hundred metres from where the much easier "Panoramica" climbs. The average gradient of over 10％ denotes in itself the difficulty of this ascent, but does not account for the fact that the first four hundred metres are very easy. From Our Lady of Sorrows (a tabernacle on the left-hand side of the road) onwards, it is really tough. Not even very short sections with gradients of more than 15％ alternate with lighter segments, but without offering a real resting place. In fact, you reach the summit after a continuous succession of very demanding climbs, so this is considered by many to be the most difficult option for climbing to Calaone.
The asphalt is barely decent, the road quite narrow. The not entirely absent traffic makes it inadvisable to take it downhill. Better to use the scenic route. In summer, you are in the sun all the time.
A tough climb, to say the least. More for sportsmen than for cycle tourists. It demands preparation and readiness for the effort. At least it is short.