The mysteries of the Dolèda hill: witches and spells

<p>The ancient roads intended for transporting livestock to reach the highest villages in Trentino and to immerse yourself in the magic and myths of the valley.</p>

<p>"Penìa, che più in ite no l'é nia" (Penìa, where beyond there is nothing)... The rocky spur of Dolèda, at 1828 meters, is one of the most extraordinary panoramic points of the valley. It is said that it was once the meeting place of witches, fueling legends that envelop the area. The mysterious rock drawings and squared stones suggest the foundations of an ancient castle that disappeared, perhaps linked to the mythical countess of Dolèda, a noblewoman who, it is said, left everything to escape the Italic wars and live in peace in the shadow of the Marmolada. The name "Dolàda," which in Ladin means "to square with axe blows," raises questions: are these squared and chipped rocks searching for hidden treasures or rock paintings linked to ancient propitiatory practices? Fascinating mysteries that add to the charm of the place. Above the houses of Penìa, there are stretches that host mouflons and roe deer, and there are Lorenz and Vera, two of the highest inhabited villages in Trentino. These settlements, built on cliffs of geological and volcanic origin, were reachable only on foot until 2010. Penìa also preserves one of the best examples of an ancient Venetian sawmill, used for wood processing. It is the only hydraulic sawmill still functioning in the whole Val di Fassa, a true jewel of the past.</p>