resides the fearsome Basilisk. Mezzolombardo is considered one of the most important wine centers of Trentino and stretches for over a kilometer in the flat valley of the Noce. The old part of the country is characterized by the Castello della Torre, as well as a series of Art Nouveau villas and the row of buildings, where there is also Palazzo Scari, home of the Barons of Cles. San Michele all’Adige is a center of great importance hosting the significant Mach Foundation, international center for agricultural and environmental research and the Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina (Museum of the Ways and Customs of the Trentino people). Housed in a monastery that once housed the Augustinian fathers, the museum holds all that is the basis of the farmer's work culture in mountain populations and agricultural support craft. The Smithsonian Museum in DC is lovingly referred to as the “nation’s attic” where there are stored and displayed the things of our history and past. Similarly, the Museo of San Michele stores and displays the past of our forbearers from wardrobes to farming tools so that we can call it the “Tyrol’s Attic”.
Schutzen Company of Mezzocorona
The Piana includes eight municipalities: Lavis, Zambana, Nave, San Rocco, San Michele all`Adige, Faedo, Mezzocorona, Mezzolombardo and Roverè della Luna. Lavis is situated on the torrent Avisio and has a special role and mission in wine production and culture dating back to the ancient Rhaetians who produced superb wines. The town itself has some elegant edifices in the historical center of the town. In Lavis, there are the curious remans of the Giardino dei Ciucioi (see article). The town of Nave San Rocco was born in a bend placed on the right bank of the Adige River. The ship name has Roman origins and stands for the "ferry" used for crossing the river. There are documents pointing to the ancient presence of a ford that linked the two main roads of the Adige Valley communications.
Mezzocorona lies at the foot of Mount Mezzocorona with its impassable wall which can be reached either by cable car or through the various forest trails. At Mezzocorona you can also admire Castel Firmian, built in 1480, and the remains of Castel S. Gottardo, one of the rarest and most evocative medieval buildings built inside a hollowed rock wall. Legend has it that there
View of the Piana
Edmund Mach Foundation & Museo di San Michele degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina
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Along with the wine production, the Plain is also known for the Zambana white asparagus. This vegetable, thanks to the particular climatic conditions, soil and growing techniques is particularly delicate, tender and almost completely devoid of fiber. Since only amateurs grow them in small quantities, you can taste the fresh product only on the spot, in the harvest season. This lasts about two months, from late March to late May, and during that period (usually the first few days of May). The Asparagus Festival is held in Zambana celebrating its niche product. Written by Irene Coslop of the Consorzio Turistico of the Piana Rotoliana. For more information go to www.pianarotaliana.it, info@pianarotaliana.it