Trambileno
Trambileno, the Trentino municipality with historical references
Trambileno is a scattered municipality with 1456 inhabitants located in the province of Trento, with headquarters in the Moscheri hamlet. In this text, we will explore the history and meaning of the Trambileno toponym, as well as the monuments and places of interest of this Trentino municipality.
The toponym Trambileno, also called Trambelém in Trentino dialect and Trumelays in Cimbrian language, refers to the hydronym Leno, a probable pre-Latin maybe Etruscan or Rhaetian called "Lemno". The name derives from "trans bis Lenum", meaning "between two Leni", indicating the confluence of the two branches of the Leno river of Vallarsa and the Leno of Terragnolo.
The municipality of Trambileno was affected in the 13th century by a settlement of German colonists, which gave the town a touch of Germanic culture. Today, Trambileno has many tourist attractions, including shrines, churches, Austro-Hungarian forts, and mountain refuges.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architectures
One of the most significant religious places in Trambileno is the Sanctuary of Madonna de La Salette, which was built in 1856 on a rocky spur in Moscheri thanks to the donation of a nobleman from Rovereto. The sanctuary was consecrated to Madonna de La Salette and appears in the municipal coat of arms above the two Leni confluence.
Another religious attraction in Trambileno is the Hermitage of San Colombano, which is perched on a sheer rock wall overlooking the Leno and was the dwelling of hermits who founded the primitive building and monastic cell documented since 753 (inscription on the rock). Over the centuries, around the cave, a little church was built, starting from the 10th century, which can be reached thanks to a steep staircase carved into the rock.
The other churches of Trambileno include the Church of San Mauro in Moscheri and the Church of San Valentino in Vanza.
Military architectures
The Forte Pozzacchio (Ger. ''Valmorbia Werk'') was built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire shortly before the beginning of the Great War and stands on a rocky hill between the towns of Pozzacchio and Valmorbia, in the municipal territory of Vallarsa. It is a masterpiece of military engineering never completed and never used as a real stronghold. It is entirely excavated into the rock and should have protected the Austrian front line along the Vallarsa. It was opened for public visits in 2015.
Civil architectures
The Vincenzo Lancia Refuge, located in the meadows of Alpe Pozze, is one of the most popular attractions in Trambileno. From the refuge, many paths depart exploring the Pasubio massif, Col Santo, Col Santino, Monte Testo, and Monte Corno Battisti. Near the refuge, there is also Alpe Alba with suggestive stone huts born to shelter farmers who made hay at an altitude and recently used as a holiday resort.
Society
Demographic evolution
Trambileno has seen its population grow in the last century. In 1921, the municipality had only 833 inhabitants, but the population has steadily increased to reach the current 1456 inhabitants.
Administration
The municipality of Trambileno is governed by a mayor elected by citizens.
Twinning
Trambileno is twinned with the Brazilian municipality of Bento Gonçalves, which was at the end of the 19th century a destination for many migrants from the Vallagarina Community, including Trambileno.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Trambileno is a Trentino municipality that offers many places of interest. From religious shrines to Austro-Hungarian forts, there is something for everyone. Furthermore, Trambileno's population growth shows that this town is a place where people want to live and grow.
