Avio
Welcome to Avio, a town nestled between mountains and the Adige River
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Avio, a small town of 4091 inhabitants located in the province of Trento, in the heart of Vallagarina. Avio is the southernmost municipality in the province and in the Trentino-Alto Adige region and is about 50 kilometers from both Trento and Verona. Its location is very strategic as it is nestled between the mountains and the Adige River, which runs through it.
The history of Avio
The history of Avio is very old and fascinating. In the late Middle Ages, the municipality was ruled by the Count of Trento, but under the spiritual guidance of the Bishop of Verona. In the 13th century, the powerful Castelbarco family acquired power in the valley, and in 1411 the "vicariate" of Avio passed under the dominion of the Republic of Venice. This was a golden period for Avio, which gained some autonomy. However, the Serenissima had to withdraw from southern Trentino in 1509 after the Battle of Agnadello, and the municipality of Avio was incorporated into the dominion of the Habsburgs.
During World War I, Avio was occupied by the Italian Royal Army and was the site of the Armistice of Villa Giusti, which ended the war. With the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the municipality of Avio was officially annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.
Physical geography of Avio
Avio is located in a valley delimited by several mountain ranges: Mount Baldo to the west, the Brentonico plateau to the north, and the Lessinia plateau to the east, in the Veronese territory. The Adige River runs through the municipality, which is located on its right bank. Avio borders the province of Verona in the Veneto region to the south.
The recent discovery of a Bronze Age artifact
In May 2022, a Bronze Age artifact was discovered in Avio. It is a rapier with a wraparound hilt made of copper and tin alloy from the late Bronze Age. Experts are still trying to understand the use of this artifact and why it was found broken at the handle. One plausible hypothesis is that it was used as a votive offering, as there are numerous testimonies documenting the use of valuable objects in funeral ceremonies or rituals dedicated to a deity during that period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Avio is a historic and fascinating town nestled between mountains and the Adige River. Its strategic location has made it a reference point for both the history and culture of the area. I hope you have the opportunity to visit it!
