The municipality of Arcos de Valdevez inaugurated in Peneda the first International Frassati Trail outside of Italy, dedicated to Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Catholic activist and mountaineer who was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on September 7, 2025. The ceremony took place exactly one year after the canonization, bringing together direct family members of the saint, members of mountaineering groups from Portugal and Italy, and representatives of the Portuguese and Italian Alpine Clubs.
The route is approximately 10 kilometers long with a cumulative elevation gain of 560 meters, corresponding to an existing trail that was renamed and integrated into the international network dedicated to Saint Frassati. It runs through the Peneda-Gerês National Park, with the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda as its surrounding backdrop.
The vice-president of the Municipal Council, Emília Cerdeira, highlighted the close connection between faith and the mountains present in Saint Frassati's life, emphasizing the importance of Arcos de Valdevez hosting the first international trail dedicated to the saint outside of Italy. Father César Maciel, rector of the sanctuary, was also present at the occasion.
The challenge to create an international network of trails was launched by the Italian Alpine Club and welcomed by the Portuguese Alpine Club, through José António Barros Basto. Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in Turin in 1901, died in 1925 at the age of 24, and became known for his profound joy and dedication to the most needy, becoming a model young person for athletes worldwide.
