Bleggio

An open-air museum in the heart of southern Trentino

At the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, not far from Lake Garda, lies the grassy hillside of the little-known Bleggio area, full of paths perfect for slow tourism.

The colourful murals that decorate the village of Balbido are very impressive — more than 200 paintings on the façades of ancient rural residences, bearing witness to an authentic thousand-year-old heritage, have been restored thanks to the local residents, who have turned it into an open-air museum.
Not to be outdone is the village of Rango, which features inner courtyards, connecting tunnels between houses and hidden hallways, that are reminiscent of historic fortresses. Then there is the rural Giudicarie area, which boasts balconies covered with rows of corn and climbing vines.

South of Bleggio, the gentle lines of the plateau are interrupted by a rugged and wild place: Val Marcia, with its five ancient iron crosses, placed to ward off the evil spirits of witches.

Finally, be sure to try the delicious Bleggio walnuts, a Slow Food Presidium, whose flavour is the result of the mild climate and the marked difference in daytime and night-time temperatures.