Bosentino
Bosentino: an enchanted place in the mountains of Trentino
Bosentino is a hamlet of 827 inhabitants located in the Altopiano della Vigolana, in the autonomous province of Trento. Until December 31, 2015, it was an independent municipality. Today, it represents a unique place surrounded by wild and lush nature, on the eastern edge of the Altopiano della Vigolana, facing Lake Caldonazzo.
Physical geography
The village is located at an altitude of 688 m above sea level, on the Bosentino hill, on the eastern edge of the Altopiano della Vigolana, facing Lake Caldonazzo. The hamlet is made up of two settlements: Bosentino and Migazzone.
Origin of the toponymy
The name "Bosentino" probably derives from "buccina", a wind instrument, or from "buxus" (from the Latin "shrub"). Migazzone, on the other hand, owes its name to the mugo shrub.
History
From the origins to the Middle Ages
The roots of the Bosentino and Migazzone settlements date back to pre-Roman times, when Etruscan infiltrations occurred in the area in the 8th century. The Cenomani Gauls followed, and then the Latins.
Archaeologists report that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with stone corridors and tombs. In the 5th century, many barbarian tombs were found in the area and their belongings are preserved in the museums of Trento. There are historical records of an ancient fortress that was then destroyed and never rebuilt. In 1020, together with Trento, Bosentino and Migazzone came under the influence of the Prince Bishop.
Modern era
According to tradition, in the place where the Madonna del Feles church now stands, at the beginning of the 17th century, a shepherd boy had a vision of the Virgin Mary. A votive chapel was erected there, and in 1729 the Madonna del Feles church was built, which has been enlarged several times.
In 1805, Bosentino, Vigolo Vattaro, and Vattaro merged to form the municipality of Vigolo Vattaro. It became an independent municipality again from 1946 to 2016, when it was definitively absorbed into the municipality of Altopiano della Vigolana.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
In the Bosentino hamlet, prestigious religious architectures are certainly worth a visit. These include the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Feles and the Church of the Patronage of St. Joseph.
Military architecture
The Castle of Vigolo, an ancient Renaissance fortress, is certainly one of the most representative places in the area.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Bosentino has increased in recent years, reaching 827 inhabitants.
Folklore
Bosentino boasts a rich folklore tradition. One of the most important events is the Sgalmerada, a non-competitive race through the streets of the village where participants wear "galmere", the typical shoes of the past, and walk in cheerful company. Another distinctive moment of the calendar is the Strozega, where every Sunday in December, children walk the streets of the village dragging jars tied with a wire in order to call Santa Lucia.
Administration
Bosentino is now a hamlet of the municipality of Altopiano della Vigolana, after having been an independent municipality until December 31, 2015.
Notes
Its geographical position makes Bosentino a very popular tourist destination both for locals and tourists. Those who visit Bosentino are immediately enchanted by the charm of the surrounding nature and by the intimate and friendly atmosphere of the village.
Other projects
For more information, you can visit the official website of the Municipality of Bosentino.
