Between suburbs, hamlets and prehistory: from Melta to Martignano
- Start point: Parco Solteri
- Arrival point: Giardino Martignano
The itinerary connects the northern part of Trento, born during the recent urban expansion (dated back to the last two decades of the last century), with the historic suburb of Martignano, characterised by wide antique vineyards.
Nevertheless, the real historic surprise of the trail is Riparo Gaban in the middle of the ascent. It is an important archeological site that shows how these places have been attended by men for more than 10.000 years. Indeed, thanks to the rich stratigraphy, it is possible to trace men presence from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age, witnessed by marvellous artefacts and votive objects.
Along the first part of the path it is possible to appreciate other interesting aspects of the local landscape. From above the first stretch, that runs alongside the Solteri quarter, you can see one of the last cultivated red stone quarries of Trento. It is one of the last craft laboratories for stonework, material once used to build most parts of the historic city and the 19th century city.
Immediately after that, going back to the plain, you will pass by Melta park, a big contemporary urban park that answers to the contemporary need of recreational and green areas.
Going up to the hill and leaving Melta's houses, you will finally enter the terraced vineyards' landscape that is typical of the hillside between Centochiavi and Martignano. The exposure and the soil have favoured the presence of wide cultivations of vines that, where the ground is steeper, are placed on big terraced steps.
The street that winds between the countryside allows a unique view on the spontaneous local flora and crops: clematis vitalba and ivy-covered walls, maples, manna ashes, hazelnut trees and other local essences of the lean sunny slopes.
On the trail you will find some historic buildings (the Chapel of Casa Angeli and the Church of S. Isidoro) that show how the hill was a place of expansion and representation of the rural nobility and the rich city bourgeois during the 17th-18th century.
At the end you will reach the square of Martignano, commonly known as square of "Canopi" (i.e. the old miners that used the metallic resources of Argentario and Calisio) and you will finish your walk in the beautiful garden that surrounds the suburb's multifunctional center.
For further information and details go to OUTDOORACTIVE
Safety tips
The information on this page is subject to change, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is impossible to completely avoid inaccuracies, taking into consideration the rapid environmental and weather changes that may occur. Therefore, we decline any responsibility for any damage caused to the visitor. However, it is strongly suggested to check the path state, the environmental and weather conditions before going on an excursion.
The Network of Bondone Nature Reserves is not responsible for the management and maintenance of the trails. Therefore, we decline any responsibility for damages that can occur to people, animals or objects.
- Prepare your itinerary
- Choose a trail suitable for your training
- Choose adequate equipment
- Consult weather reports
- Going alone is riskier
- Leave information about your itinerary and the time you expect to get back
- Do not hesitate to go with an expert
- Mind the indications and signages on the path
- Do not hesitate to go back the same way you came
- In case of an accident call the standard emergency number 112