Borgo Valsugana: Arte Sella, cycle track and culture

Borgo Valsugana, crossed by the Brenta river, is one of the most charming river towns of Trentino. Located near the Val di Sella valley, it features important historical and artistic attractions you can admire by simply strolling along its alleys, besides of course its churches, museums and the Telvana Castle. The natural treasures of the area are enhanced by the wonderful trekking trails, first of all the famous sculpture trail ArteNatura, in the contemporary art sculpture park Arte Sella.

Borgo Valsugana: what to see

Borgo Valsugana, located a few km away from the Val di Sella valley, is a village of Medieval origins with alleys and courtyards, enriched by Renaissance and Baroque historical dwellings rising along the ancient imperial road. Worth a visit are the porticos along the river, the Venetian bridge and the old Corso Ausugum with Baroque doors and shops selling local products. Looking up you can admire the imposing Telvana Castle, rising on Mount Ciolino with a wonderful scenic view on the whole valley. Dating back to the XIII century, the castle was rebuilt when a fire damaged it in 1665, and then turned into a baronial dwelling and private home. The Sentiero dei Castelli leads to this castle, which can be visited only from the outside.

Besides Telvana Castle, Borgo Valsugana features many other interesting buildings: the Rococo XVII century Chiesa di Sant'Anna, renovated in the second half of the XVIII century and hosting a series of frescoes by Giovanni Scajaro; the Late-Gothic XVII century Chiesa di San Rocco; a beautiful trail among the forests leads to the Eremo di San Lorenzo al Monte in Val di Sella, dating back to the Early Middle Ages; and the XVII century Santuario della Madonna di Onea, pilgrimage destination with a sacred image of the Virgin Mary.

Borgo Valsugana has an active cultural life and features many museums and exhibitions: the old Mulino Spagolla, which hosts the Permanent Exhibition of the Great War in Valsugana and Lagorai with finds, pictures and documents; the Museo Diffuso, a project of Eastern Valsugana aimed at preserving local culture; and the exhibition dedicated to women Soggetto Montagna Donna, in the administrative division of Olle.

Borgo Valsugana: what to do

Art and nature meet along the 3 km long sculpture trail ArteNatura in Val di Sella, where Arte Sella takes place, an international contemporary art open-air exhibition. Worth a visit is also the Costalta Grotto. On the north face of Mount Mandriolo, it is one of the biggest caves of Tentino, open to visitors only in summer and only with guided tours.

There are some recommended trekking tours, for relaxing walks surrounded by nature. If you want to explore the area by bike, try the cycle track La Via del Brenta, a trail connecting the Caldonazzo Lake to the wonderful town of Bassano del Grappa. There are also many horseback riding tours on trails among the forests and up to the mountains: the most important by far is the East Trentino Horse Trail, a trail long over 432 km.

Among the events: the Festa di San Prospero, dedicated to the patron saint, takes place in July and features local products; the Palio dela Brenta, taking place on the first weekend of August and celebrating ancient local traditions; the Gusti della Via Claudia, a market of local products with entertainment shows taking place at the end of August; and a tasty event dedicated to chocolate, the Fiera del cioccolato artigianale, in October.