Mezzocorona

In the north of Trento, embedded into the Rotaliana plain, there is Mezzocorona, which is also referred to as the "most beautiful wine garden of Europe". The vineyards are cultivated according to old traditions and the mild climate as well as its location also pull their weight to the production of excellent wines. The so-called "Cittadella del Vino di Via del Teroldego" unites a number of innovative wineries and wine-growers, such as the Cantina Rotari, Cantina di Conferimento e Vinificazione, Centro di Imbottigliamento e Stoccaggio and PalaRotari, which are definitely worth visiting for both their exquisite wines and an outstanding architecture.

The town of Mezzocorona, which nowadays counts some 5,500 inhabitants, dates back to ancient times. Already 6,000 years BC first settlers were living in this area, as several findings have proved. Worth seeing are the remainings of a Roman farm located at the Cantine Mezza Corona. This buliding is a wine citadel in which findings regarding vineyards and the production of wine are collected, representing a witness of a long wine tradition in the Rotaliana plain.

As far as hiking and mountain bike tours are concerned, we recommend you the local mountain of Mezzocorona, simply called "Monte" (mountain). In order to reach the summit you can either take the funicular or scale the mountain via different routes. However you scale it, it is a great place to be, offering pure relaxation! Also the cosy mountain huts are ideal for having a break and enjoying a typical afternoon snack. Inside a cavity there is Castle San Gottardo, a Mediaeval castle complex. Slightly below, at the foot of the Monte, there is Castel Firmian. It was built in the 15th century as residence of the homonymous aristocratic family, which also had a Palazzo built in which today the townhall of Mezzocorona is accommodated. Worth noticing is also the commemorative plaque at the facade of the bell tower: This is where the "Om de Fèr" is illustrated, who is supposed to have killed the Basilisk of Mezzocorona according to a legend.

Two spectacular attractions were recently inaugurated on the Monte: the Skywalk and the suspension bridge. The latter, which is 123 metres long and 130 metres high, offers a spectacular view on the entire area of the Piana Rotaliana.