Discover Fai della Paganella: History, Trails and Beech Forests
Accommodation in Fai Della Paganella
Fai della Paganella is a destination for those who want to combine local history, varied trails, forest landscapes and regional cuisine in a peaceful travel itinerary. Between archaeological traces, small cultural trails and natural attractions, there are different opportunities for short excursions as well as for days spent getting to know the area in greater detail.
File:Fai della Paganella-panorama from Mezzocorona.jpg
Photo: Matteo Ianeselli via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Archaeology and History on Short Trails
Doss Castel is a fortified archaeological settlement and a natural fortress on the eastern edge of the Fai della Paganella plateau. Another historical landmark is the parish church of Fai della Paganella. It stands east of the Villa district, at a site where the presence of a place of worship can be traced back to the 14th century.
The Doss Castel archaeological circular trail features fold-out information panels introducing visitors to the world of the Rhaetians. The Sentiero dei Reti also leads through the remains of a Rhaetian village; the Rhaetians are considered to have been a warlike people of the 2nd century BC. Those interested in early settlement traces will find historical themes directly connected with a trail experience here.
Trails Through Forests, Meadows and Fields
For a short walk, the Sentiero dei Belvedere is a good option: the trail is 1.1 km long and takes around 20 minutes. The Sentiero dell’Otto, on the other hand, is an easy, almost entirely asphalted route that is suitable for pushchairs. This means that a walk can be planned appropriately even when an easy surface and a leisurely pace are important.
The Sentiero Acqua e faggi leads through a beech forest, offers rest areas and allows visitors to play in the waters of the Rio Fai. The Parco del Respiro in Fai della Paganella is also located in a beech forest. Both places put the forest at the centre, but set different accents between movement, relaxation and observing nature.
The Sentiero dell’Otto leads through the meadows and fields of Fai della Paganella. Along the way, you pass typical mountain huts, gardens, small deciduous groves and mountain crops such as potatoes and maize; hop cultivation is also among the sights along the route. The trail therefore showcases not only the landscape, but also different ways in which the rural surroundings are used.
A Historic Trail Through the Village
The historic Sentiero Ardito Alberto crosses the entire village. It is dedicated to Alberto, an aviator in the Arditi of the Royal Italian Army. The trail thus brings a specific historical memory into the village and complements the archaeological themes surrounding Doss Castel and the Sentiero dei Reti.
Mountain-Hut Cuisine and a Local Custom
Malga Fai is located in the meadows and forests of Fai della Paganella and offers simple, authentic dishes from traditional mountain-hut cuisine. This suits a stay in which not only trails and history, but also the area’s down-to-earth food culture have their place.
A special tradition takes place every year on the night of 5 to 6 December. In Fai, the patron saint of children and school-age young people is then celebrated with the traditional “strozega dei bandoni”. Long chains of tin cans are dragged through the streets of the village – a local custom with a distinctly audible character.
Discover More Places
If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Fai della Paganella, you can find further places here: Marcena, Montesover, Mezzana, Grauno, Crosano, Spiazzo, Campodenno and Località Produttiva I.
To the main travel overview: Trentino.
