Malè: Culture, Craftsmanship and Cycling Routes

Malè offers several starting points for planning your trip: sacred art, the history of craftsmanship and outdoor activities in Val di Sole. Each theme offers a different focus. At the chapel, the loggia and frescoes take centre stage; the technical heritage highlights the use of hydropower and wood processing; and a cycling route offers a different perspective on the valley. You can choose what to focus on according to your interests.

Chapel and Museum: Two Ways to Explore Cultural History

The Chapel of San Valentino, next to the parish church, has a 15th-century loggia and frescoes by Casarini from 1938. The two dates are far apart, drawing attention to both the architecture and the wall paintings. If you are interested in sacred art, you will find two distinct features here that are easy to compare.

At the Museo della Civiltà Solandra, the section on Giacomo Bresadola includes the original edition of Iconographia Mycologica in 26 volumes. An immersive sound experience evokes a feast day for a farming family in Val di Sole at the beginning of the 20th century. These offer two distinct ways to explore the subject: an extensive work and an everyday scene told through sound.

Craftsmanship Between Hydropower and Wood

The Fucina Marinelli is a working hydraulic forge that was built at least two centuries ago. It was part of the pre-industrial complex at Pondasio, where hydropower replaced human or animal power to operate the forge. Both the forge’s age and its source of energy are part of its history.

The Segheria Veneziana di Malé was built by the Zanini family in 1774 and used continuously to cut wood until 1978. It is still fully operational. Visits are organised through workshops, where you can learn about traditional wood processing and different types of wood. The sawmill’s former continuous use and its present-day functionality are two distinct aspects.

At Fattore Legno, you can watch craftspeople at work. In the LegnoLab workshop, you can work with wood and create a handmade souvenir from your holiday. You can also make paper using traditional techniques and create a personalised sheet decorated with flowers and herbs. Choose between watching and making, as well as between two different materials: wood for the souvenir and paper for your personalised creation.

Cycling Routes and Getting There

The lower section of the Val di Sole cycling route runs from Malé to Mostizzolo and passes through the apple orchards of the lower valley. The cycling and walking path through Val di Sole has little elevation change, runs mostly alongside the River Noce and is suitable for families and children.

The Ferrovia Trento-Malé-Mezzana also runs through Malè; in the past, Malè was the terminus of the line. If you are considering taking the train to get there, check the current timetable in advance.

Farm Produce

At the Mercato Contadino Solandro in Malé, farmers bring products directly from their farms, including cured meats, cheese, fruit and vegetables. This adds a focus on agricultural produce to the art and craftsmanship themes of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ala, Tremalzo, Romagnano, Drena, Carisolo, Folgaria, Carano, Brez

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