Mazzin: Archaeology, Mountain Scenery and Hiking Trails

Mazzin combines archaeological history, established architectural heritage and a distinctive mountain backdrop. The Doss dei Pigui archaeological site can be reached via a path near Mazzin’s playground. In summer, the village is also a starting point for numerous hikes leading as far as Val Udai.

Archaeology and History around Doss dei Pigui

Doss dei Pigui is a fortified settlement from the second Iron Age, dating to around 1000 BC, that was permanently inhabited for centuries. Excavations uncovered five hearths, extensive terraced structures and two stone mills: one made of granite and one of porphyry. These were joined by decorated ceramic and terracotta objects. Many of the items and bronze jewelry pieces found at Doss dei Pigui can be viewed at the Museo Ladin de Fascia in Vigo di Fassa.

Churches, Craftsmanship and Characterful Houses

The history of Mazzin also includes the “pitores fassani.” These were seasonal craftsmen who temporarily emigrated to decorate houses and monuments. The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena adds to this cultural heritage: it is late Gothic in style, dates from 1573 and was expanded in 1894.

Casa Battel is considered the only rustic manor house in Val di Fassa. The building features decorative elements, frescoes of considerable artistic value and a pointed tower. The building Casa Cassan is also known as Casa Battel and Casa del Moro. It was built in the 16th century and decorated with frescoes in 1785, when it became Jakob Cassan’s inn, “Gasthaus zum schwarzen Mann.”

Mountain Landscape and Summer Trails

The rock walls of Catinaccio d’Antemonia, rising to 3002 m, form the backdrop to Mazzin. The 2446 m-high Cima Dodici is also part of this visible mountain scenery. For planning your summer activities, the village therefore has a clear focus on hiking and landscape experiences. Summer hikes from Mazzin lead to Lago d’Antermoia, a high-altitude alpine lake with crystal-clear water at Catinaccio.

A shorter, culture-focused option is Cultural Route 52. It starts and ends in Mazzin, is 4.2 km long and takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. This makes it possible to combine archaeological and historical themes with a manageable distance, without conflating the different focuses of local history and mountain scenery.

Winter Orientation

Mazzin also offers various activities in winter. From here, there is direct access to the well-known Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa cross-country skiing route. The route leads toward Canazei and in the other direction toward Moena. In addition, a free ski bus from Mazzin provides transport toward the lifts of the Dolomiti Superski ski area. When choosing a hotel in Mazzin, you can therefore focus on your own interests in archaeological history, summer hiking, cross-country skiing or winter mountain destinations.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip to Italy

Ivano-Fracena, Lomaso, Preore, Pergine Valsugana, Nanno, Predazzo, Baselga di Piné and Massimeno.

For the overview of the broader destination: Trentino.