Cavalese
Welcome to Cavalese!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Cavalese, a small town in the autonomous province of Trento, in Italy. With a population of about 4000 inhabitants, Cavalese is the administrative, cultural, and historical center of Val di Fiemme. Its privileged geographical position at 1000 meters above sea level makes it a tourist destination visited both in summer and winter. Let's discover together some history and geography of Cavalese!
Physical Geography
Cavalese is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, in the heart of the Dolomites. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, the town is just a few kilometers from the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino natural park and the Lavazè pass. Not only that, but it is also close to the famous Alpe Cermis ski slope, which offers a spectacular view of the entire city.
History
Cavalese has an ancient history dating back to the 11th century, when it was founded as a settlement developed in the aftermath of power struggles between the Welfs (Ghibellines) and the Prince-Bishops of Trento. In its lower territory, the village of Cadrubio (Quadruvium) stood, where objects dating back to the late Bronze Age and a fortified settlement have been found.
Cadrubio
In Roman times, a fortress stood on the nearby San Valerio hill, which evolved into a castle and a sanctuary. The site was discovered precisely in Cadrubio, where some ancient coins and a necropolis from the 6th century were found.
Cavalese
The town of Cavalese developed starting from the 11th century, when mills, sawmills and workshops for the processing of copper were built along the banks of the Gambis stream. From the 1920s, Val di Fiemme acquired more and more autonomy, becoming the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme with headquarters in Cavalese.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Cavalese became a holiday resort for the noble Trentino families, who had palaces built there. One of these, the Palazzo dei Vescovi, would become the seat of the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme in the 19th century. In the 18th century, it was also the headquarters of the painting school of Giuseppe Alberti, attended by Michelangelo Unterperger as well.
During the Napoleonic wars, Cavalese was conquered by the French after a strenuous fight by local militias. During the First World War, the town became the operational center for the troops of the Imperial and Royal Army for the deployment of units along the Lagorai range.
In the 20th century, Cavalese experienced strong tourist development, with the construction of numerous hotels and new communication routes. During the Second World War, the city was the scene of clashes of the Italian Resistance.
Conclusions
Cavalese is a city that exudes history and authenticity. Historically, it has played a fundamental role in the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme and in the fight against the French and the Nazis. Today, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the area, thanks to its privileged geographical position and its proximity to the Alpe Cermis ski slope. If you happen to be in Val di Fiemme, you can't miss Cavalese!
