Grauno
Welcome to Curon Venosta!
Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about Curon Venosta, a charming Italian town located in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The peculiar feature that makes this city famous is the bell tower submerged in the Resia Lake, which is often the backdrop for Instagrammers and photographers from around the world!
Physical geography
Curon Venosta is located in the far northwest of the province, near the borders with Austria and Switzerland. Its territory is crossed by the Resia Pass, which leads to Austria, and is one of the four Italian municipalities that border two foreign States (the others are Courmayeur, Malles Venosta, and Tarvisio). In the territory of Curon lies the Resia Lake, an artificial lake used to produce hydroelectric energy. Its construction caused the disappearance of the ancient settlement of Curon, which was reconstructed further upstream in 1950. Today, the only remnant of the old village is the bell tower of the old church, which emerges from the waters of the Resia Lake, becoming one of the main tourist attractions of Curon Venosta.
Origins of the name
The name of the town derives from the Rhaeto-Romance language "curuna," which means "cliff," and was first recorded in the period 1140-1160.
History
The history of Curon Venosta dates back to the Roman era when the Val Venosta was conquered by the Romans and began to be crossed by the Via Claudia Augusta, the road that connected Italy to Germany. In the Middle Ages, the area was colonized by populations from Germany, who became the dominant ethnicity.
Middle Ages
In 1140, a hospice for pilgrims and carters was founded in the locality of Muta, around which the village of San Valentino alla Muta developed. In 1147, Curon was first mentioned with the toponym "Curun apud lacum."
Modern era
During the French occupation of 1797, Curon was included in the Malles Venosta district of the Department of Alto Adige. In 1815, it passed to the County of Tyrol, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, while in 1919 it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy with the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
World War II
During World War II, Curon was the scene of intense battles between Italian and German troops for possession of the Resia Pass. At the end of the war, Curon passed into the hands of the Italian Republic.
Attractions
The bell tower submerged in the Resia Lake is undoubtedly the main attraction of Curon Venosta. But it's not the only interesting thing to see! In the village, there are also the Saint Nicholas Church, dating back to the Middle Ages, the Saint Valentino alla Muta Chapel, the meteorological station and dam museums, and the impressive Monte Canin.
What to do in Curon Venosta
If you visit Curon Venosta, you can't miss a walk along the path that runs along the Resia Lake, or a bike ride along the cycle path. You can also take a hike to the Resia Dam, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley. In winter, Curon Venosta becomes a paradise for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, with its marvelous ski and snowboard slopes.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Curon Venosta is influenced by the traditions of Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Typical dishes include apple strudel, canederli, polenta, and local cheese. Don't miss a wine tasting of Trentino-Alto Adige wines, famous all over the world.
In conclusion, Curon Venosta is a lovely location, with a millennial history and breathtaking nature. If you're looking for a destination for a day trip, a romantic weekend, or a vacation dedicated to sports and relaxation, Curon Venosta won't disappoint you!
