San Michele all'Adige, situated in Trentino, on the bank of the river Adige, can be easily reached from Trento, driving along the Adige Valley, in the northerly direction, following the main road SS 12 Abetone - Brennero. This town is a must for the lovers of art and old traditions, but part...
San Michele all'Adige, situated in Trentino, on the bank of the river Adige, can be easily reached from Trento, driving along the Adige Valley, in the northerly direction, following the main road SS 12 Abetone - Brennero. This town is a must for the lovers of art and old traditions, but particularly for those who wish to truly flavour a relaxing walk among the vineyards or along the river.
San Michele all'Adige was established as an ancient Roman site, built as a bulwark on the bank of the river Adige. At first it controlled an important communication route to the north, on the traces of the famous Claudia Augusta.
The Monreale Castle is worth a visit, too. It was built as a military stronghold; its present aspect is the result of many transformations and additions made through the centuries because of several transfers of property.
The oldest parts are the keep guarding the entrance to the town. The inner courtyard is surrounded by elegant facades with mullioned windows and the private chapel has some 16th century frescoes. Today it is a private property, an agricultural concern, that can be visited on prior application to the proprietors.
Do not miss the Agostinian monastery - easily identified by means of its two cylindrical embattled towers; the first mention of it dates back to the mid 12th century. In the cloister, that houses a museum, you see Maximilian's chessboard, dating back to 1516: the name of Maximilianus is written 144 times on it, like in a strange mural crossword! After its decay, the monastery became the seat of the Agricultural Institute, that played an important role in the recovery of wine-growing in South Tyrol.
This institute has become famous both in Italy and abroad, confirming the professional work in the agricultural, wine growing and forestry sectors. Nowadays the school is housed in a new building and the ancient monastery has become the seat of the Museum of Uses and Customs of the Trentino People, one of the most important ethnographic museums in Europe.
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