3° Tappa: ELEMENTS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
Glacial wells
The glacial wells are clear evidence of ancient glaciations. In the 19th century, Antonio Stoppani, Lombard abbot and scientist, was among the first to study the glacial phenomena of this valley, so much so that the geological-naturalistic path in the surroundings of Vezzano is named after him. The glaciers dug these glacial wells into the rock, reaching, in the period of maximum extension around 35,000 years ago, a thickness of just under 1 kilometre. Also known as ‘giants potholes’ the glacial wells in the surroundings of Vezzano are located in the lower slopes of the north-west slope of Monte Bondone.
Lake Lagolo
Lake Lagolo, of Alpine origin, is the smallest body of bathing water in the Province. It is located at 950 meters above sea level and is framed by meadows and some stretches of reeds. It is the perfect place for a rest, a break.
Madruzzo
This little town is famous for its castle, the first evidence of which dates back to 1161 and was looked after by the Madruzzo family, always faithful to the prince bishops of Trento. In 1389 the ownership of the castle was lost by the Madruzzo family and passed through various families and the last owner began to call himself Madruzzo, almost as if to return to the origins of the history of the manor, which he also modernized and improved with new defensive techniques. Cristoforo Madruzzo was born here, and soon started the Council of Trent becoming the first of the ‘prince bishops’, who then governed the Trentino territory for more than a century. From the second half of the 1600s the castle changed numerous owners again and was violently subjected to the passage of General Vendome’s army into Trentino during the War of the Spanish Succession; since 1963 it has been owned by the Montagna family of Milan but unfortunately it is not open to the public yet.
The Church of Santa Maria Lauretana is also a great sightseer not to be missed, dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto and built in 1645 by the last prince bishop of the Madruzzo family. There are also two chapels (one dedicated to St. Thomas Becket and one to the Holy Family) and a sacristy. The walls of the hall, in fake bricks, are painted with episodes from the life of the Madonna and the marble altar houses a copy of the statue of the Madonna of Loreto with Baby Jesus. The subsequent bell tower (from the mid-18th century) was used by local partisans as a radio station during the Second World War.
Lasino
This location is also known as Alpe di Trento and is characterized by medieval and Renaissance style buildings. In the surroundings of the town, one can find traces of Roman settlements such as the Chapel of the Holy Crucifix and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul; the latter is located on a hill from which it dominates the entire town and houses numerous frescoes inside. In just two hours walking from Lasino you can reach Monte Bondone is just at two hours walking from here and the path connecting Castel Madruzzo to Cavedine is also very recommended.
San Siro’s Church
The small church of San Siro sits on the hill above the town of Lasino. Since 1307 one can find evidence of this building which was dedicated to San Procopius. The walls of the apse are frescoed with paintings of the Twelve Apostles, a Christ Pantocreator, the Four Evangelists and a Bishop (who could actually be San Siro). Over the centuries there were various expansions and some renovations, which retained only the semicircular apse and the Romanesque style bell tower of the original structure. The last changes were made at the end of the 19th century. From here one can enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful view of the valley below, suggestive and unique in every season of the year.
Roman Street
The Cavedine area is very rich in finds dating back to different eras of human history. Already in prehistoric times this was a place of passage and a communication route between the Adige Valley and Lake Garda and undoubtedly maintained its relevance even during the Roman period (as demonstrated by numerous toponyms and the many finds found). The ‘Roman Road’ is the route that allows us to highlight all this, discovering the testimonies provided by some elements encountered here (rock carvings, the Cosina, the Roman fountain, etc.).
Along the route between Lake Cavedine and its valley one can walk among dry stone walls, woods and cultivated stretches. At a certain point you come across the so called ‘Carega del diaol’ (devil’s chair) or ‘Queen’s Throne’, a rocky block that emerges from the ground and bears a funerary inscription from the imperial age.
Also worth mentioning is the ‘Cosina di Stravino’, a natural cave open on the eastern side of Monte Brusino, also in the municipality of Cavedine, caused by the erosion of the limestone rock. Other discoveries seem to date back between the end of the Copper Age and the Ancient Bronze Age, in which the cave was used for funerary purposes, as demonstrated by the discoveries of remains of bones, pottery and tools.
A short distance from the center of Cavedine, we also find the dirt path that leads to the extraordinary Roman fountain built some time ago.
Cavedine
Cavedine is a very rich municipality from both a cultural and natural point of view. The Cavedine Valley, better known as ‘val del vent’ (valley of the wind), is characterized by a constant breeze and offers a truly spectacular panorama, which includes the view of Monte Bondone, Monte Casala, Monte Gazza and – although a little ‘ further away – the Brenta Dolomites.
The municipality of Cavedine is an archaeological, prehistoric and Roman site of considerable interest, thanks to the presence of the famous “Roman Road”. Lake Cavedine waters are clear and are home to a variety of fish fauna, making the lake an interesting destination for fishing. The hydroelectric exploitation of the basin cools the water considerably and although the lake is suitable for bathing, it is more used for sports such as windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. On the westside of the lake, the banks are marked by cycle and pedestrian paths.
