The Novaline valley, through vineyards and historic villas
- Start point: Piazza Perini / Mattarello
- Arrival point: Ronchi / Mattarello
Mattarello is an example of the evolution of a small village that has kept its urban autonomy since its origins, while being in the metropolitan area of Trento. The presence of the massive Torre Franca (16th century complex with successive alterations, but built in the 13th century), witnesses the strategic relevance of this place for the old viability control, being it at the corner of via Claudia Augusta Pagana and the connecting road of via Claudia Augusta Altinate that went up along the Valsorda toward Vigolo and Valsugana.
From the center of Mattarello, with the beautiful church of S. Leonardo and the wide equipped Garden in the civic centre, the path goes up to the walled complex of Torre Franca, crossing the most ancient part of the establishment. The village was so closely linked to rural economy that many toponyms (Novaline, Regole, Ronchi and the forgotten Vallarsa) were a sign of the conquer (for agricultural purposes) of the territory. The viniculture prevails and the production of wine was so important that it was established a preservation control on its trade in the area of Trento. Also the Rio Valsorda is an important element that characterises the landscape: along the river were located a lot of activities that exploited the water power (mills and bakeries, oil mills, workshops and forges) and whose memory is kept in the names of the various localities.
After the stone bridge that crosses the river, the walk goes on toward the chapel of Sant'Andrea Bellavista and Maso Martinelle. Just slightly under the latter, in the locality of "Le Val", a path allows you to cross the stream and go down to Novaline.
Here, the landscape changes again going back to the wide terraced vineyards, inheritance of the extensive noble and ecclesiastic possessions. You can admire the numerous noble estates, centres of the agricultural production, built during the 17th and 18th century by the aristocratic families of the city (Villa ex-Sardagna, Villa ex-Saracini, Villa ex-Gentilotti). Along the classic walled roads there are many sacred signs (Pietà capital and Ronchi capital).
Going back you can visit the interesting "A. Falzolgher" Alpine Fauna Center, run by Associazione Cacciatori Trentini, where there is a small visitor centre where you can closely observe many wild animals like fawns, wild boar babies, mouflon, chamois, foxes and others.
For further information and details go to OUTDOORACTIVE
Safety tips
The information on this page is subject to change, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is impossible to completely avoid inaccuracies, taking into consideration the rapid environmental and weather changes that may occur. Therefore, we decline any responsibility for any damage caused to the visitor. However, it is strongly suggested to check the path state, the environmental and weather conditions before going on an excursion.
The Network of Bondone Nature Reserves is not responsible for the management and maintenance of the trails. Therefore, we decline any responsibility for damages that can occur to people, animals or objects.
- Prepare your itinerary
- Choose a trail suitable for your training
- Choose adequate equipment
- Consult weather reports
- Going alone is riskier
- Leave information about your itinerary and the time you expect to get back
- Do not hesitate to go with an expert
- Mind the indications and signages on the path
- Do not hesitate to go back the same way you came
- In case of an accident call the standard emergency number 112