Castello Lavazzo: Stonecutting History and Gardona

Castello Lavazzo combines traditional stonecutting craftsmanship and Roman finds with the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta, as well as the remains of the Gardona fortification. There is also a hiking trail that follows the route of an ancient Roman road above the railway line. In this way, the village and its surroundings bring together the history of craftsmanship, sacred art, the history of fortifications and the landscape.

Stonecutting Craftsmanship and Local History

The Museo della Pietra e degli Scalpellini in Castellavazzo documents the traditional activities of stone quarrying and stonecutting, on which the village’s livelihood depended. The museum is divided into five thematic sections. The fifth section focuses on Castellavazzo’s stone-related heritage and displays tools, photographs and first-hand accounts of local generations of stonecutters. On the ground floor, there is an archaeological exhibition featuring finds from the Castellavazzo area dating from Roman times.

Church and Gardona Fortification

The Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta in Castellavazzo dates from 1165 and was enlarged in 1524. The years 1165 and 1524 refer to different construction phases of the church. The altarpiece in the Church of San Quirico and Giulitta is by Egidio Dall’Olio and depicts the martyrdom of Saint Giulitta and her child, San Quirico.

The Gardona fortification was probably built as an outpost of Castello Lavazzo during the Gothic War from 535 to 553. Only the remains of the tower, with its unusual triangular ground plan, have survived from the fortress.

Hiking Trail to the Ruins

The ruins of the Gardona fortification can be reached via a hiking trail. From the cement factory, the trail leads above the railway line to the ruins, following the route of an ancient Roman road. The route thus combines a specific hike with traces from Roman times and the later history of the fortification. The Roman road trace is therefore part of the described route and not merely a historical reference to the fortification.

Mountains and Regional Places

In the immediate vicinity of Castello Lavazzo are the mountain Cima dell'Albero and the peak Cima La Serra. The surrounding area also includes the mountain Monte Citta and the peak Cima Mora.

In the wider regional surroundings of Castello Lavazzo are the Palazzo del Capitano, the Palazzo dei Rettori, the Museo Civico Belluno and the historic site of Roggia dei Mulini. The regional destinations thus comprise two palaces, one museum and one historic site.

Times for Your Planning

From 25 March 2024 to 31 December 2030, the Museo della Pietra e degli Scalpellini is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 14:00 to 18:00. For planning a museum visit, this time window focuses on the weekend and afternoon. The 18th Sagra di Castellavazzo was scheduled for the period from 17 July to 19 July 2026.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

Danta, Sappada, Colle Santa Lucia, San Vito Di Cadore, Vigo di Cadore, Alleghe, Trichiana, Cibiana Di Cadore

To the overarching travel overview: Belluno.