Folgaria (Folgrait in cimbro, Vielgereuth in German) is one of the oldest communities in Trentino, located on the plateau with the same name between the Trentino Pre-Alps, on the Southern slopes of Moune Cornetto, on the right bank of the Rio Cavallo. It is an ideal resort for Winter sports fans, thanks to more than 53km of trails and to its 9 ski lifts (Skitour dei Forti), and also for those who love to make long walks in the open air or trekking or hiking.
Folgaria still boasts the title of "Magnifica Comunità" (Beautiful Community), historical definition that goes back to the Middle Ages, when the Community swore absolute loyalty to the Emperor of Austria in exchange for full political independence and administrative autonomy, a privilege that between the XV and the XVIII century, the citizens strenuously defended from the attempts perpetrated by feudal subjugation by the Lords of Castel Beseno.
In the XII century, the Prince Bishop of Trento favored the establishment in the territories of Cimbri-German people, in order to facilitate the colonization and cultivation of Folgarian mountains. Between the XV century and the XIX century the main language of the area was Cimbro, an old German dialect.
Between 1866 and the First World War, the highlands of Folgaria were subject to a strong fortification, to prevent that Italian troops could easily reach Trento. Several of these Austrian fortresses are still visible.
Sites of Interest:
- the beautiful district of Guardia, an en plein air art gallery, with its decorated houses;
- the XV century Church of Saint Valentine, which preserves within XVI century frescoes by an unknown author. The building is flanked by an XVIII century Bell Tower;
- the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, originally built in the XVI century and enlarged in later centuries;
- the waterfall of the Hofentòl;
- the Ski Tour of the Forti;
- Fort Belvedere, in the highlands of Lavarone;
- Fort Sommo;
- Fort Cherle;
- Forte Dosso delle Somme.