Perched on a moraine plateau, on which stretch regular rows of vineyards, which produce the excellent Marzemino wine, Isera (Iser in German) is a town in the province of Trento located on the right bank of the Adige river.
About the origins of its name, there are two different theories: the first attests that it derives from the people of Isarci, whilst a second one proposes Latin roots "illi in sera" (those who live in the west), from a document of 1216 in which the town is mentioned as "illi in Ysera."
Traces of prehistoric settlements reveal that the area was inhabited by Palaeolithic hunters and in the years following World War II, several remains of a Roman villa were brought to light, which evidence the local presence, not only, of Roman troops for control of the territories, but also of the residence of a wealthy noble Roman family that had been entrusted to take care of the farmlands.
Sites of Interest:
- The Castle of Corno, a splendid example of fortified architecture, which became a noble residence only in the XVI century, during the rule of the Lords of Liechtenstein. It is mentioned since 1178;
- the remains of a Roman villa, built in the Augustan age, a unique example of this type of architecture in the Trentino area. Probably destroyed by fire, it was originally divided on two floors, embellished by a significant and valuable series of decorative elements, including frescoes and mosaics, as well as a bed of Hellenistic origins and several household utensils made of iron, stone and ceramic. All the artifacts found in the excavations are on display at the Civic Museum of Rovereto;
- the Church of San Vincenzo, rebuilt in the XVII century, whose bell tower is, in reality, the keep of an ancient castle;
- the Church of St. Mary in Brancolino;
- the Museum of the Postcard and minor collectible items, set up at Palazzo Galvagni;
- Palazzo Fedrigotti (now seat of the Town Hall), Palazzo de 'Probizer and Palazzo Vannetti.