Piazzo di Segonzano

Its name derives from the Trentino dialect, in which "Spiaz" indicates the area where this ancient centre is located, situated on an alluvial terrace near the confluence of two rivers: the Avisio stream and the Regnana stream.
Perched about 530 metres above sea level, Piazzo is surrounded by greenery, among vineyards and orchards that make this area of Trentino Alto Adige famous for the production of excellent wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet and Pinot Noir, and the famous Stark and Golden Delicious apples.

What to see
Made famous also by the German painter Albrecht Dürer, who around 1495 during a trip to Venice found himself passing by the village and painted some particularly suggestive views, this small town benefits from an enviable position, since it is located in a basin surrounded by mountains.

One of the features that most strike visitors to the village is the layout of some very fine buildings from an architectural point of view, which are perfectly set in a natural and almost wild context.
For example, the beautiful Baronial Palace, built by the noble Barbi family of Cembra, is surrounded by centuries-old trees and is surrounded by ancient dwellings and mills where most of the workers in the service of the barons lived.

The Palazzo Prato, which was the residence of the noble family originally from Valsassina, offers tourists the opportunity to visit a unique residential context in terms of the layout of the rooms and the still partly preserved furnishings.
In the palace it is also possible to visit a wine cellar that produces a very fine wine, considered a true excellence of the area.

Also worth a visit is the impressive Church of the Immaculate Conception, enlarged in the first half of the 16th century, renowned for its 12th-century chapel.
The building is famous for the fact that its interior vault is almost entirely covered with beautiful sacred frescoes dating back to the 16th century, in which figures and colours are clearly linked to the stylistic canons of the time.
There are also frescoes depicting the coats of arms of the most influential noble families in the area.
On the high altar there is a valuable late Gothic wooden sculpture dedicated to the Madonna of the Grapes.

On a hill above the village stands the charming Chapel of Sant'Antonio da Padova, probably commissioned by some noble family around 1600, whose façade is in local stone.
It is also worth stopping at the Chapel of Madonna dell'Aiuto, the site of some clashes between Austrian and French forces during the famous Battle of Segonzano.

At the lower end of the village are two remarkable bridges built over the Rio Regnana, which are very impressive due to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
In this area, it is worth stopping to see the remarkable large wooden Crucifix, placed on a capital probably erected at the behest of Baroness Lucia Violante at the end of the 19th century.

What to do
Crossing a basin cultivated entirely with vineyards and following ancient paved trails, it is possible to reach the ancient village of Piazzo from above, which still retains its ancient urban layout typical of Cembran towns.
Those arriving at this picturesque centre can stroll among the massive rustic stone dwellings, the size of which is almost uniquely characteristic of this area.

Passing through the Rio Regnana gorge and crossing the two ancient bridges, tourists will find themselves in front of a very suggestive landscape, ideal for excursions in the midst of nature, without straying too far from the village.
Those who love trekking can head for the ancient masi (farmsteads) that dot the surrounding countryside, to admire their typical architecture and to take a break to sample the local cuisine.
Situated in the heart of the Trentine Dolomites and immersed in a majestic setting, the village of Piazzo is far from the routes of mass tourism and therefore allows you to enjoy tranquillity and silence.

Typicality
Those who decide to visit the ancient village are also attracted by the food and wine delicacies typical of the area, which are linked to the culinary traditions of the Trentino valleys.
Perfect to satisfy the most demanding palates, the dishes that can be tasted here range from soups to dishes to characteristic desserts.

At one of the many masi, the meal can begin with a barley soup enriched with smoked meat, the famous canederli with speck or even a soup of boiled snails.
You can also try the excellent pork ribs with sauerkraut, accompanied by Pinot Noir and the unmistakable spicy 'panazzo' with stewed turnips.

The drowned mutton stew with porcini mushrooms goes perfectly with a vintage Cabernet and a few slices of blue cheese.
The wide choice of desserts means that the meal can be rounded off with a delicious mixed-fruit strudel, the valley's typical sweet bread "zelten" or the unmistakable "brutti ma buoni" dry walnut biscuits, perfect for dipping into a Chardonnay.