Lavarone
Let's discover Lavarone: the enchanted locality in the Cimbro high plateau of Trento
Welcome to Lavarone, an enchanted locality in the Cimbro high plateau of the province of Trento. Known in Veneto as Lavarón and in the Cimbro language as Lavrou, Lavarone is a scattered municipality of about 1200 inhabitants, located at about 1200 meters above sea level in the charming Lavarone high plateau.
Physical geography
Lavarone borders with three other municipalities (Caldonazzo, Folgaria, and Luserna) and to the south with the province of Vicenza. The territory of the municipality is vast and varied, with 19 different localities, among which the hamlet of Gionghi stands out, where the town hall is located.
Lake of Lavarone
In the municipality's territory, there is also a small lake, which was very loved by Sigmund Freud during his vacations in Lavarone in 1904, 1906, 1907, and 1923. The lake is swimmable during summer and allows for ice skating in winter. Additionally, during the winter season, the lake is also the venue for a training session to learn the technique of under-ice rescue, organized by ANIS (National Association of Scuba Instructors).
Origin of the name
But where does the name Lavarone come from? There are many hypotheses about the name of Lavarone, but the most accredited ones are two: the first one supports a Latin or even pre-Roman origin, probably deriving from "làvara," flat stone or slab; the second one would trace Lavarone back to the medieval Latin root "fossa luparia" from which "lovèra" and "lovàra" originate.
Moreover, there are several theories that propose the origin of the name from Celtic derivations or the Cimbro language. According to a hypothesis by Aldo Gorfer, the name Lavarone would be a Romanesque alteration of the term "Liebefrau," which has to do with the legend about the birth of the adjacent lake, connected to the figure of a feminine spirit and then transformed into Cimbro "La-vrou/La-fraun."
History
Lavarone has an ancient history and has been inhabited since antiquity, as evidenced by the blast furnaces dating back to the prehistoric period and the deposits of ancient origin slag. There is also a story of the existence of a prehistoric castelliere on the Chiesa relief, although this hypothesis has not been confirmed by systematic archaeological excavations.
Until the twelfth century, the area around Lavarone was almost uninhabited and lacking in settlements, but in the following century, especially thanks to the arrival of the Cimbri, the area underwent an increase in terms of population and development.
The Community of Valley 12: the Magnificent Community of the Cimbri Plateaus
Lavarone is part of the community of Valley 12, the Magnificent Community of the Cimbri Plateaus, of which it is the capital. The community of Valley was established to enhance the culture and local traditions of the Cimbro population, an ancient community of Germanic origin that settled in the high Trentino around the twelfth century.
The Magnificent Community of the Cimbri Plateaus is part of a network of minority linguistic communities recognized by the Italian state, located in different regions, including Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, and Lombardy.
Interesting places to visit in Lavarone
Lavarone is a locality full of interesting places to visit. Among these, the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta stands out, a sacred building of Cimbro origin dating back to 1300 and which has been expanded and renovated in subsequent eras. Inside, you can admire interesting frescoes and paintings.
Do not miss the Millegrobbe locality, an ideal destination for nature and outdoor sports lovers. Here there is a high-level sports center, where you can practice various disciplines, including cross-country skiing, ice skating, and trekking.
Furthermore, you cannot miss the Forte Belvedere Gschwent, a military construction from the nineteenth century that was used during the two world wars and is now a suggestive location for events and exhibitions.
What to taste in Lavarone?
Lavarone is not only a place to visit but also an interesting gastronomic destination. The local cuisine is based on simple but tasty dishes, including the traditional polenta, wine, and cheese, which represent the soul of Cimbro culture.
Among the typical dishes are wild herb omelets, the famous Kaiserschmarrn, the small honey and walnut cake, as well as other local sweet delicacies.
Furthermore, the Cimbro population of Lavarone is famous for the production of local handicrafts, including fabrics, laces, baskets, wicker weaves, and wooden objects.
Conclusions
Lavarone is a place of great charm and interest, a perfect mix of nature and culture, outdoor activities, and rural traditions. Its Cimbro community, with its language and customs, represents a fascinating testimony of a millennia-old culture that has managed to resist the passage of time and trends. Come and discover this pearl of the Trento Cimbro high plateau, you won't regret it!
