Malè in Val di Sole: Culture, Crafts and Trails

Malè combines sacred art, museum culture, traditional crafts and routes through Val di Sole. Those choosing a destination based on different interests can incorporate historical details, scientific collections, technical culture and active experiences in the landscape into their travel plans. Located directly beside the parish church, the San Valentino Chapel features a 15th-century loggia and frescoes by Casarini from 1938. In the Museo della Civiltà Solandra, the section dedicated to Giacomo Bresadola includes the original edition of the Iconographia Mycologica in 26 volumes.

Culture between Chapel and Museum

The Museo della Civiltà Solandra also offers an immersive sound experience that conveys a feast day experienced by a farming family in Val di Sole at the beginning of the 20th century. In Malè, a specific work of sacred art therefore stands alongside an acoustic approach to rural life. The Ferrovia Trento-Malé-Mezzana is also part of the townscape and helps with spatial orientation: it runs through Malè; in the past, Malè was the terminus of the line.

Pre-industrial Crafts and Wood

The Fucina Marinelli is a still-operating hydraulic forge; it was built at least two centuries ago. It was part of the pre-industrial complex of Pondasio, where water power replaced human or animal power in operating the forge.

The Segheria Veneziana di Malé also provides an insight into the history of wood processing. It was built in 1774 by the Zanini family and was used continuously for cutting wood until 1978. The Segheria is still fully operational and allows visitors to learn about traditional wood processing and different types of wood. At Fattore Legno, you can watch craftspeople at work. LegnoLab offers a workshop there where visitors can work with wood and create a handmade holiday souvenir. Visitors can also make paper using traditional techniques and create an individual sheet decorated with flowers and herbs.

Cycling and Walking Routes through the Valley

For active days, the lower section of the cycle path in Val di Sole leads from Malè to Mostizzolo through the apple orchards of the lower valley. The cycling and walking route through Val di Sole has only slight differences in elevation, is suitable for families and children, and runs mostly along the Noce River. Gentle inclines, proximity to the river and orchards combine exercise with an immediately perceptible landscape.

Swimming and Regional Products

The Acquacenter Val di Sole has three indoor swimming pools and can be used year-round in all weather conditions. At the Mercato Contadino Solandro in Malè, farmers bring products directly from their farms, including cured meats, cheese, fruit and vegetables. Regional products thus complement the cultural and craft themes with a direct connection to agricultural production.

More Destinations for Your Plans

For further travel planning, you can also consider Vigo Rendena, Rovereto, Passo Del Tonale, Ronchi Valsugana, Chiesa, Fai Della Paganella, Faedo and Storo.

For the overarching travel overview: Trentino.