Ponte Caffaro
Ponte Caffaro: a fraction of Bagolino rich in history and natural beauty
If you are looking for a place rich in natural beauty and history, Ponte Caffaro could be the right place for you. This fraction of the municipality of Bagolino is located north of Lake Idro and borders the fraction of Lodrone (Storo) of Storo (Trentino) in Trentino-Alto Adige. But Ponte Caffaro is also the site of the battle fought on June 25th, 1866 between the Garibaldian forces and the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the Third Italian War of Independence.
The history of Ponte Caffaro
From 1861 to 1918, Ponte Caffaro was an important border point between the Kingdom of Italy and Austria-Hungary. Before then, the town was the border point between the Republic of Venice and Tyrol. After a brief period under Napoleon, it became the border between Lombardy-Veneto and the Austrian Empire. To the north of the town lies the village of San Giacomo, a few houses of note, including the historic Church of San Giacomo dating back to the 9th century.
Monuments and places of interest
The fraction of Ponte Caffaro offers many attractions for visitors. One of the must-sees is the military shrine of Monte Suello, located near the town, which commemorates the location of the battle between Garibaldians and Austrians. The parish church of Ponte Caffaro, dedicated to St. Joseph, was built in 1877 and consecrated in 1908. The main altar, created in 1909, is made of white Carrara marble with mirrors in the base and steps of the colored marbles. The choir, presbytery, ceiling, and altar panel were decorated in 1941 by the Brescian painter Vittorio Trainini.
Next to the parish church is the 30-meter stone bell tower that rises above the village and offers an incredible panoramic view of Lake Idro and the surrounding mountains. On the right bank of Lake Idro, southwest of Pian d'Oneda, lies the Church of San Giacomo, mentioned in historical records since the 9th century, when it depended on the Benedictines of the monastery of San Pietro in Monte. The Church of San Giacomo contains a copy of the image of the Madonna of San Luca venerated in Bagolino. The building underwent substantial modifications over the centuries: it was equipped with a frescoed porch and, in the 18th century, the openings and apse were renewed. The only nave remained intact, maintaining the roof trusses supported by two pointed arches. The main facade, with three round arches, of which the central one is practicable and the two lateral ones are surmounted by two very simple and austere rectangular windows. The pillars and part of the facade have remains of frescoes.
Refino: the lakeside locality of the fraction
Not far from the town of Ponte Caffaro is Refino, a charming locality located on the shores of Lake Idro. Here you can admire the beauty of the lake and enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore, or take a boat ride to discover the island in the middle of the lake.
Conclusion
Ponte Caffaro is a fraction of Bagolino full of natural, historical, and artistic treasures. If you love nature, history, art, and are looking for a peaceful place to spend some time away from the chaos of the city, Ponte Caffaro is definitely the right place for you.
