Transacqua between ecclesiastical art and historic mining trails

Churches, palaces and local history

The Church of San Marco dates back to an original structure built around 1500. It was rebuilt in 1780, expanded between 1863 and 1878, and restored and extended again in 1970. Its slender Gothic-style bell tower is particularly distinctive. Inside are an altarpiece of San Marco attributed to Titian and a painting of the Marriage of the Virgin Mary dated 1615. The church is also associated with the song “La Cesota de Transacqua,” which is part of the Alpine tradition.

Palazzo Someda dates from 1590. Today, it retains a small tower, a garden, Venetian-style windows and wrought-iron balconies. At the end of the 16th century, the palazzo was built by Giovanni Someda, a member of an important local family involved in the timber trade. Another restored building in Transacqua preserves a 16th-century structure as well as a painting of the Crucifixion with Saints by Giovanni Battista Costoia, dated 1600.

Smaller landmarks also tell the story of the village’s development. In 1880, there were six mills in the Transacqua area, including the small Il Molinet mill on the road to the village of Navoi. The restored Il Molinet retains a large wooden waterwheel and the system for collecting the water diverted farther uphill. The Capitello della Via Verda probably originated at the beginning of the 17th century. It stands along the Via Verda, one of the few paved roads preserved in this valley.

Mining as a defining part of Transacqua

The history of Transacqua is closely linked to mining. In the 15th century, the village was one of the valley’s major mining centers, with around 500 tunnels used to extract silver, copper and silver-bearing lead. The Stol mine was the last active mine in Primiero and remained in operation until 1866. The mine’s two main entrances are still visible from the excursion route.

This historical dimension can be combined with movement through the landscape. The Sentiero delle Càore was once used to lead goats from the village to graze in higher-altitude fields during the summer season. Its former function reflects the agricultural use of the trails and slopes.

Views, green spaces and outdoor art

Ormanico is considered a particularly scenic village, with views over the Primiero basin and the surrounding Dolomite peaks. Parco Benessere Navoi is a peaceful green space overlooking the Pale di San Martino. Since 2025, Transacqua has also been home to “La Guàna,” a monumental work by artist Marco Martalar standing approximately 7 meters tall. This contemporary accent complements the village’s historic buildings and mining heritage.

Discover Transacqua on foot and by bicycle

The circular route through Transacqua begins at the Autostazione delle Corriere and leads through the village to numerous historic and artistic attractions. For a compact tour of the village, it connects the starting point with Transacqua’s various cultural sites.

Another option is the “Anello Ormanico Transacqua e le Vecchie Miniere” circular route. It is an easy, well-marked circular hike around Transacqua. Along the way, it offers views of nearby villages such as Fiera di Primiero, Transacqua and Ormanico, as well as the Pale di San Martino and the Vette Feltrine. The entire route can be completed by bicycle, making it appealing both to walkers and to travelers who prefer an active way to explore.

Those looking for accommodation in Transacqua can use these highlights to decide whether culture, mining history, scenic views or a flexible combination of a circular route and a village tour should shape their travel plans. The trails and attractions offer different reasons to get to know the village at either a leisurely or more active pace.

Discover more destinations

For further travel planning, you can also view Tres, Civezzano, Prè Di Ledro, Cles, Maderno, San Bernardo, Bezzecca and San Michele All'adige.

For the overarching travel overview: Trentino.