Pieve Tesino, the village where the first Pro Loco of Italy was born

Pieve Tesino, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, fascinates with its thousand-year history and its splendid location in the Tesino Valley. The village takes its name from Pieve, Plebs Thesini, seat of the Plebanus of Tesino, while “Tesino” derives from Taxus baccata, a plant once widespread in the area. The Tesino basin, rich in pastures and forests, has been inhabited since antiquity by the Rhaetians, who left burial mounds, and in Roman times it was crossed by the Via Claudia Augusta Altinate. Among the main historical events are participation in the First Crusade (1096) and the consecration of the church of Pieve (1184). Here developed the Vicinia, an ancient rule for the collective management of common goods. From itinerant trade to the birth of the first Pro Loco in Italy, up to the Alcide De Gasperi House Museum, Pieve Tesino combines history, culture, and tradition in a unique village.

What to see in Pieve Tesino

 The Tesino Arboretum offers meadows, woods, flowers, and both native and foreign plants, with a stone labyrinth, a bird-catching tower, a pond with water lilies, and a wooden walkway to explore the wetland, accompanied by explanatory panels. The Garden of Europe, with 14 corten steel flowerbeds and over 50 plant varieties, represents a fusion of art and nature, a tribute to Alcide De Gasperi. The “Factory of Europe” is a 4 km historical-cultural itinerary with corten installations that connects museums and the Arboretum, narrating the “Mythical Europe” from Greek mythology to the present day. From the Hill of San Sebastiano, one enjoys a view over the Tesino basin, with the church of 1479 dedicated to Saints Sebastian and Fabian. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, consecrated in 1184, preserves a baroque altar, a Renaissance baptistery, and stained-glass windows. Piazza Maggiore, with its octagonal fountain and 15th-century portico, together with 18th-century fountains, completes the village, blending history, art, and nature.

Events in the village 

Life in Pieve Tesino is enlivened throughout the year by traditional and cultural events. On the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, Carnival is celebrated with the “Pievarazo,” offering pasta and crostoli to the entire community. In mid-July, the Per Via Buskers Festival takes place along the streets of the village, with circus shows, music, and entertainment for young and old. On August 15 and 16, the Ferragosto Festival is held, with markets, food stands, street food, and children’s activities. On August 18, the De Gasperi Foundation, in collaboration with the Sturzo Institute of Rome, organizes the Lectio degasperiana, each year exploring new themes related to Italian history, democracy, and the figure of Alcide De Gasperi. In mid-September, the Transhumance Festival is celebrated, with the arrival of sheep from the alpine pastures, shearing, and tastings of dairy products. During the Christmas season, the village hosts the “Filò de Natale,” with wooden huts, crafts, and gastronomic specialties.

What to see around Pieve Tesino

 The surroundings of Pieve Tesino open onto natural landscapes of great charm. The valleys and woods of Tesino offer routes for trekking, walks, and mountain biking among alpine huts, meadows, and mountain views. Lake Caldonazzo and Lake Levico, just a few kilometers away, are perfect for water sports and relaxation on the shores. In nearby historic locations, one can visit castles, medieval villages, and ancient churches, such as Castel Ivano and Scurelle. Thematic routes like the Via Claudia Augusta allow visitors to discover Roman history, while the traditional festivals of neighboring villages complete the cultural and natural experience.

Cover photo credits: Gaia Conventi