Vigo Rendena
Vigo Rendena: features and history
Hello friends, today I will talk to you about Vigo Rendena, a charming hamlet of 512 inhabitants located in the province of Trento in Trentino-Alto Adige, in Val Rendena, south of Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo. Vigo Rendena, also called "Vich" in the local dialect, was once an autonomous Municipality until it merged with the neighboring towns of Darè and Villa Rendena into the new municipality in 2015.
The name of the village derives from the Latin "vicus", which means village, and its heritage has great importance, attested by the discovery of some silver coins dating back to the late Roman and early medieval era in the surrounding countryside. The village was mentioned, along with Bocenago and Pinzolo, as one of the largest in the valley.
Economy and monuments
The economy of the village was mainly based on the primary sector, with a strong focus on breeding Rendena cattle, cultivating cereals, and forestry. However, the secondary sector, with the presence of two carpentry workshops, a spinning mill, and a mill, has also seen strong development over time. The village was also a service center for the lower Rendena valley.
Vigo Rendena is characterized by numerous streams, along which various fountains arise, some of which are still visible today, such as the "Fontana dai Baltram" or "Fontana dai Brüc'". It is also worth mentioning the Capitel di Calvéra, located at about 900 m high on the slope of Monte Calvéra, in front of the summit of Durmont.
Emigration and fire
During the twentieth century, massive emigration significantly reduced the population of Vigo as well as other villages in the valley. The typical profession of emigrant Rendener was that of scissors grinder: many farmers first invaded the streets and squares of Northern Italy, then arrived in Europe and around the world, including Australia. Even today, famous knife shops in the great capitals are run by descendants of Rendeners.
In 1929 a severe fire devastated the entire village of Vigo Rendena. The flames found easy propagation in the larch wood that covered the upper floor of the houses and in the straw piled up in the barns. During the reconstruction, the urban fabric was modified to meet the new needs. Today, many houses have a rather urban imprint.
Conclusions
Vigo Rendena is a small hamlet with a great history and natural beauties to admire. Its importance was linked to rural activities, but also to its sources of fresh and clean water. The fire of 1929 changed the village, but the reconstruction was done in respect of the tradition and culture of Val Rendena. Come and visit this splendid hamlet immersed in nature and history!
