High in the mountains overlooking Lake Garda in northern Italy sits the small medieval hamlet of Canale di Tenno. This magical place, with 50 residents, is ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” It has survived almost intact to the present day looking much as it did in the 12th century—a time when people gathered and built their homes close together for survival.
The narrow cobblestone streets that merge into the center piazza are lined with the original stone buildings and archways—adorned with frescoes, banners, tiles, and other works of art. Wooden porches, stairways, and potted plants make it even more interesting.
Canale di Tenno was abandoned after WW I when the people who lived here relocated to the lower valley of Sarca to find work. However, it was rediscovered in the 1960s by Giacomo Vittone, a banker from Riva del Garda, who rode his bike up the mountainside to paint in this picturesque setting. His friendliness and love for art eventually attracted others to this area. After retirement, he relocated and lived here from 1967 til his death in 1997.
His house became known as the “Home of the Artists” (Casa degli Artisti). It is now a famous cultural center offering exhibitions, conferences, and educational opportunities that attract visitors from all over Italy and Europe. There are also rooms at the house for guests to stay and pursue their artistic talents—the only requirement is that they leave behind one of their paintings for the gallery that currently displays over 400 works of art.
There is a small bar, restaurant, and agricultural tool museum--all with limited hours. However, the entire village is an “open museum” that can be enjoyed at any time. Visitors also come for the “Rustico Medioeve” festival which is held annually for ten days in August and a popular Christmas Market.
After visiting the village we could not resist the scenic 20-minute walk along a path leading to the turquoise waters of Lake Tenno—enjoying the pastures, olive trees, and vineyards along the way.
We were based in the town of Torbole on Lake Garda which is the largest lake in Italy for one week in October. Canale di Tenno is about 45 minutes away by bus (the nearest stop is Ville Del Monte). This is just one of the many side trips we enjoyed. The entire area of Trentino is spectacular and there are numerous other villages, castles, lakes, and trails to explore.
Northern Italy, the Alps, and the Dolomites continue to be one of our favorite places in the world, a place we love to return to. It's also less crowded than the more popular tourist destinations in Europe.
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| Lake Tenno |
