Pieve Tesino
From the plateau to the high Alps, in the footsteps of De Gasperi
Pieve Tesino, a 2021 addition to the official list of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, is most famous as the birthplace of Alcide De Gasperi; but there’s lots more to discover in this village in the heart of Valsugana
Nestled snugly in the Tesino valley, on the southern slopes of Monte Silana in the heart of Valsugana, the village of Pieve Tesino is famous as the birthplace of renowned statesman Alcide De Gasperi, a founding father of the European Union.
A 2021 addition to the official list of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, it is also known for its charming town centre and as the starting point for walks and hikes rich in environmental interest and scenic landscapes. In fact, the view to the north is dominated by the granite massif of Cima D’Asta (2,847m), a destination favoured by mountain lovers and climbers tackling the famous “Alta Via del Granito” route.
Things to see
As you amble through the village you can’t fail to find yourself in the main piazza, where an ancient, octagonal fountain made from red stone and known as the “dama delle fonti” takes pride of place. After pausing for a photo, it’s just a short stroll to your next stop: the Gothic-style Chiesa dell’Assunta church.
Next, make time to visit two enthralling museums.
First up is the Casa Museo Alcide De Gasperi: opened in 2006, this little museum in the house where the statesman was born is like a time capsule standing testament to the links between Valsugana and Tesino and the life’s work of De Gasperi. Sounds, images, contemporary material and modern sensory and multi-media installations unite to tell a story that transcends one man’s life to become interwoven with the histories of Trentino, Italy, and the European political sphere.
Your second stop is Per Via, the Museo Tesino delle Stampe e dell'Ambulantato or Museum of Prints and Pedlars. Located in the town centre, it is home to artefacts telling the tales of the travelling salespeople who reached the farthest corners of the globe with their artistic prints. The museum presents their stories from two different perspectives: that of the travellers themselves, undertaking unimaginable journeys on foot; and that of their families, who stayed in their home towns and faced the equally challenging trials of mountain life.
Things to do
As well as visiting sites of interest within the town, you can enjoy an immersive experience in nature with a stroll through the Arboreto del Tesino Arboreal Area, where you’ll find plants from all over the world, woods, meadows, and the “Garden of Europe”: a symbolic celebration of Alcide De Gasperi’s idea of Europe, right down to its very shape, which resembles that of a Parliament.
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