14 things to see in Trompia Valley

14 things to see in Trompia Valley

A safe adventure in the old iron mines down to the heart of the mountain. Millennium-old devotional sites, beautifully decorated. Museums about local archaeology and the old crafts involved in iron work. All this surrounded wild nature and the Mella River, which contributed to the development of local crafts and industry.

Trompia Valley, what a surprise!

1) Pieve della Mitria (Nave)

Thought to have been founded in 1051 and rebuilt in the 15th century, the parish chuch Pieve della Mitria stands surrounded by nature in the heart of Garza Valley, a few km from Brescia. The façade and architectural structure are simple, but once in, you find impressive frescoed walls and eight chapels with artistic elements from the 14th century to the Renaissance. The bell tower is noteworthy; built inside the perimeter of the church, it almost occupies the whole last chapel on the right.

Pieve della Mitria di Nave

  • Via Pieve Vecchia, loc. La Mitria, Nave – tel. +39 338 4718636 / +39 328 6494445
  • www.pievemitria.org
  • Free entrance – open upon request

Learn more about Pieve della Mitria.

2) Paul VI collection – Contemporary Art and Birth place of Pope Paul VI (Concesio)

Become familiar with Paul VI: discover the place where he was born and where his faith was shaped. This is the experience offered by the birth place of Pope Paul VI in Concesio. Today, the house has become an interesting bibliographic itinerary explaining the most significant stages in the life and the pontificate of Brescia’s Pope.

The Paul VI Collection museum is nearby. It contains over 7,000 art pieces including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and medals belonging to Pope Montini, a testament to his great passion for art.  Some of the most famous artists on display are Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Dalí, Magritte, Rouault, Severini, Morandi, Fontana, Manzù, Hartung, and Guitton.

Collezione Paolo VI - Museo4

Museum:

Birthplace:

Learn more about Pope Paul VI Collection and Birthplace.

3) I Magli Museum (Sarezzo)

Inserted in the itinerary “Iron and Mine Route in Trompia Valley”, I Magli museum is a significant testament to the old, well-rooted tradition of iron manufacturing in Brescia’s valleys.  Probably built in the 16th century and in operation until 1984, the forge has been a museum since 2001. In 2013, the highly anticipated restoration of the three forges in the main ground floor room was completed. The game room on the second floor offers workshops and activities for the young.

Museo I Magli di Sarezzo

Learn more about  I Magli museum.

4) Museum of Arms and Arms Making Tradition (Gardone Val Trompia)

The museum, organised in two parts, is an excellent testimony to the well-known arms-making tradition in Gardone. Through noteworthy examples of firearms starting from the 1500s, the first section is dedicated to the economic development of this sector, in particular technological innovations over the centuries. The second section has an educational function, where videos and models on display take us on a journey across arms making’s evolving techniques and processes.

Museo delle Armi Gardone VT

Learn more about Museums of Arms and Arms Making Tradition.

5) Santa Maria degli Angeli Convent (Gardone Val Trompia)

The core of the complex was founded in the 15th century by St. Bernardine of Siena. The complex is composed of a Basilica and the convent: the latter is a private property today. Notwithstanding the many restorations and the seizing of most of the works of art that the buildings contained, the elegant portico of the church façade and the main cloister are still intact. Inside the Basilica are splendid frescoes, among which the Our Lady of the Angels stands out (1502).

Complesso conventuale Santa Maria degli Angeli

Learn more about Santa Maria degli Angeli Convent.

6) Etnographic Museum and Farm House (Lodrino)

Part of Trompia Valley Museum System, this museum’s collection contains hundreds of objects and artifacts linked to the different facets of rural life: wood work, hunting, breeding, and mountain craftsmanship.  Completed with an educational room and the carpentry workshop for young visitors to reproduce old tools, in 2017 the collection added the section dedicated to the centuries-old tradition of dairy farming in the adjacent Farm House.

Museo etnografico, Lodrino

Learn more about Etnographic Museum and Farm House.

7) Il Forno di Tavernole Museum (Tavernole sul Mella)

The charm of water, metal, and fire live again in this magnificent example of industrial archaeology in upper Trompia Valley, among the best preserved in Europe in its category. The site tells the story of coal-based iron and steel industry and iron transformation into cast iron, a very prominent economic activity in the area.

Museo Il Forno fusorio di Tavernole

Learn more about  Il Forno di Tavernole Museum.

8) Chiesa San Filastrio (Tavernole sul Mella)

One of the most precious gems in Trompia Valley, this church boasts stunning 15th century frescoes inspired by Foppa’s technique in addition to exquisite decorations on the façade. Located inside the small municipal cemetery, it constitutes a true monumental complex in combination with with S. Domenico Sacristy and S. Rocco chapel.

Chiesa di San Filastrio Tavernole

  • Via IV novembre 43, Tavernole sul Mella – tel. +39 030 920127
  • Free entrance – open upon request

Learn more about  Church of San Filastrio.

9) Marzoli Mine (Pezzaze)

Travel inside the mountain for about 700 m aboard a miner’s train accompanied by expert guides. This experience is offered by Marzoli Mine is Pezzaze, a testament to the mining tradition that represented a major economic resource for Trompia Valley until the end of the 19th century. The itinerary is suitable for everyone. Tools, audio devices, and old photos make this experience a true journey into the past into the fascinating history of Trompia Valley mines.

miniera-val-trompia

The ticket also includes a visit to the museum dedicated to “The World of Miners and the Art of Iron”, where it is possible to admire iron sculptures by artist Vittorio Piotti. 

Learn more about Marzoli Mine.

10) ORMA Museum (Pezzaze)

Open in 2019 in the old Broletto di Mondaro, ORMA Museum in Pezzaze is the first archaeological museum in Trompia Valley. This is a constantly growing collection of local findings, in synergy with the etnographic collection of Costanzo Caim displayed in the Medieval Tower.

Torre Museo ORMA, Pezzaze

The educational resources of the museum help young visitors understand Roman epigraphs, mosaics, and old artifacts.

Learn more about  ORMA museum.

11) Santuario S. Maria della Misericordia or della Madonna (Bovegno)

Among the most beloved devotional sites in the valley, the shrine celebrates the miracle of Our Lady of Mercy, who appeared on the 22nd of May 1527 to young Maria Amadini. The girl was buried in the same place the following year. Characterised by a Greek cross design and an incredible central dome, the church is enriched by canvases by artists active between the 16th and 18th centuries: Tommaso Bona, Francesco Giugno or Zugno, Giovanni Antonio Italiani, and Stefano Geroldi.

Santuario santa maria delle Misericordia Bovegno

The ex votos are remarkable. They are kept is glass display cabinets at the entrance and in the  sacristy. An interesting fact: the shrine stands at Croce di Savenone, officially in the municipality of Pezzaze.

Learn more about Santuario Madonna della Misericordia.

12) Chiesa Santi Cosma and Damiano (Marmentino)

An unexpected gem a few kilometres from the main road stretching through Trompia Valley. In addition to the ex voto frescoes of the beginning of the 16th century, the parish church of Marmentino contains two important works by Moretto: Christ with the Eucharist and Saints Cosma and Damiano, and St. Antonio Abate. Restored at the beginning of the 20th century, the church still has the original 12th century bell tower, subsequently raised.

Chiesa Santi Cosma e Damiano, Marmentino

  • via Parrocchia 29, Bagolino – tel. +39 351 1339595
  • Free entrance – open upon request

Learn more about Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano.

13) S. Aloisio Tassara Mine (Collio)

An active mine from 1819 to 1984, S. Aloisio Mine in Collio is one of the most interesting sites linked to iron extraction in Trompia Valley. With your guides, helmet on your head and flashlight, you will travel inside the heart of the mountain at the discovery of the secrets of the miners. Recently opened, the Adventure Park is a suspended course with aerial bridges, ropes, ladders, and pulley-controlled free fall. A visit to the local history museum is also recommended.

Miniera Sant'Aloisio Collio

Learn more about S. Aloisio Tassara Mine.

14) Chiesa San Rocco (Collio)

Well in view on the road which connects Collio to Memmo, the church was built starting from mid-1400. Born as simple chapel and subsequently enlarged, this Romanesque church has retained its simple architectural lines. The façade is equally linear, with a rose window and an elegant grey stone door. Declared a national monument in 1912, during World War I it was seized and used as stable for the artillery’s horses.

Chiesa di San Rocco, Collio

Learn more about  Chiesa di San Rocco.


Click here to download all the cultural itineraries in Trompia Valley.

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