The Trentino region is abundant in many trees. These become the raw material for the mountain artists. While in the large cities of Europe marble dominates as the main material, the mountain dwellers, throughout history, have used local stone or wood to express their beliefs, emotions, the folklore stories they grew up with, and primarily their connection to nature. This does not mean they cut down those trees to create, but rather used trees that had already completed their natural cycle in a regular process: the felling of sick trees, opening escape routes, and yes, using natural resources close to home to build furniture and also art pieces.
The suggested trail connects travelers with one of the sites of artistic wooden production on one side and a constant wooded landscape along the trail on the other side.
Caldonazzo Lake is located in Valsugana, just a few kilometers from Lake Levico.
At an elevation of 450 meters above sea level and covering an area of 5.4 square kilometers, it is the largest lake entirely belonging to the Trentino region. Its average depth is 26.5 meters, and due to the pleasant climate conditions and moderate temperatures of its waters, which range between 18° and 24°C, swimming is usually possible from May until the end of September. Thanks to its warm temperatures, Lake Caldonazzo is considered one of the warmest lakes in Europe. Along its shores, there are open and equipped beaches for swimming. The towns of Caldonazzo, Calceranica al Lago, and Tenna are situated along the lake’s banks. The lake serves as a real natural gym, perfect for practicing various sports such as sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, rowing, and diving; it is also the only lake in the area where water skiing can be practiced. In the summer, it often hosts sporting events with national and international athletes. Fishing enthusiasts will find a wide variety of fish, including trout, carp, sunfish, and more.
To the north of the lake, in the town of San Cristoforo, there is a dog beach called “Bau Beach,” but leash usage is mandatory both in and out of the water.
Borgo Valsugana
The historic center of this quaint town lies along both banks of the Brenta River, filled with arcades and a wealth of ancient buildings featuring intriguing gates, frescoes, and decorative details that provide a distinctly Venetian ambiance. Among its monuments is the church of Pieve della Natività di Maria, which boasts a significant marble altar designed by the architect and sculptor Cristoforo Bendetti, along with the small church Chiesa di San Rocco, adorned entirely with Correggio frescoes. The various markets and shops showcasing local handmade goods add to the town’s charm.
Overlooking the historic area from a scenic position is the remarkable castle Castel Telvana, offering breathtaking views of the valley (access to the fortress is prohibited).
Vall di Sella
Vall di Sella is a wooded area with vast green spaces. It is the ideal place for stunning hikes. From Borgo Valsugana, you can easily reach Arte Sella, an internationally renowned open-air exhibition space where artworks are created solely with natural materials and displayed among the meadows and forests of the region.
Arte Sella
A contemporary and modern art space. Over a span of 30 years, various artists have collaborated to create a language between the artist and nature. The idea of three friends from the nearby town led to the creation of stone sculptures and wooden pieces connected to nature and humanity. The place combines two distinct areas, close to each other, each featuring a significant number of thought-provoking works. The journey among the pieces allows one to see the creativity of the artists on one side and the wonders of local materials on the other.
Visit the Arte Sella website
