Magasa – Mountain Village with a Museum, Church and Stargazing

Magasa is a mountain village set in green surroundings at an altitude of 976 m. When choosing a destination, you can consider cultural attractions, stargazing and nature side by side: the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate stands in the historic centre, the Museo Etnografico della Valvestino di Magasa is housed in a characteristic barn in the hamlet of Cima Rest, and the Magasa area is rich in flora and fauna. If you are looking for a hotel in Magasa, these specific features can help you tailor your travel plans to your interests.

Church of Sant’Antonio Abate: history and features

The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate brings together several distinctive details. Its 35-metre-high granite bell tower was built in 1768; the main altarpiece was created by the Brescian painter Francesco Savanni as early as 1763. A portico projects over the valley on the eastern side. Inside, the floor is made of red-and-yellow ammonite stone from the “Marmer” quarries on Monte Denervo. The church’s distinctive features range from its altarpiece and bell tower to a floor with a precisely identified origin.

The Museo Etnografico della Valvestino

The Museo Etnografico della Valvestino di Magasa is housed in a characteristic barn in the hamlet of Cima Rest. Its exhibition is divided into three areas: a hayloft on the upper floor, a stable on the lower floor and a cheese-making room on the ground floor. The collection consists mainly of agricultural, craft and dairy-making tools from the Valvestino area. The exhibition thus brings together two distinct perspectives: the barn’s layout into named spaces and the types of work associated with the tools on display.

Stargazing and activities in Cima Rest

At the annual “Serate a Lume di Stella” events, held from May to October, a theoretical introduction by an educator is followed by telescope-based sky observation. The events take place at the Cima Rest Observatory in Magasa. Dates may change for each edition, so check them before your trip. The walk from the chapel to the observatory takes about 20 minutes. Check this approximate walking time locally before your trip, too.

Cima Rest is set in natural surroundings at an altitude of 1,200 m. There are opportunities for trekking and mountain biking. Together with stargazing, these offer different ways to plan your trip: a scheduled event, outdoor activities and a location surrounded by nature.

Tombea and the landscape

Tombea is produced from May to September using raw milk from Bruna Alpina cattle. The milk comes exclusively from cows kept on mountain pastures and in stables in the area around the mountain of the same name. Tombea is also a Slow Food Presidium. Its production period, type of milk and origin give this cheese a clearly defined regional identity.

The Magasa area is rich in flora and fauna and is a natural oasis within Parco Alto Garda Bresciano. The Ecomuseo della Valvestino also has numerous routes of scenic and historical importance. They connect lake areas across mountain ridges, pass former First World War battle sites and offer sweeping views. Alongside the specific attractions in the village, there is also a broader regional landscape and history to consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Picedo, Mura, Capriolo, Muscoline, Gardone Riviera, Malonno, Monticelli Brusati, Trebbio.

See the broader travel guide: Brescia.