Holiday apartment in Serravalle – discover wine country and history

Serravalle lies in a natural valley constriction between the slopes of Monte Zugna to the east and Monte Cornalè to the west.

Wine Country and Nature Around Serravalle

Serravalle’s cultural landscape includes vineyards, rectangular plots, dry-stone walls and stone shelters. The vineyards laid out using the pergola system are a particularly distinctive feature of the valley floor landscape of Vallagarina in the municipality of Ala. A microclimate suitable for winegrowing and suitable soils favour this form of land use.

The dry-stone walls are also more than just a feature of the landscape. Along the path, they provide habitats for plants and animals and promote biodiversity. Anyone choosing a holiday apartment in Serravalle who values varied impressions between cultural landscape and nature will find plenty of concrete reasons here for walks, cycle tours and mindful observation along the way.

Antica via Ala-Serravalle: on Foot or by Bicycle

The Antica via Ala-Serravalle is an 11-kilometre route. It takes around three hours on foot and just under two hours by bicycle. It can be explored by bicycle or on foot through vineyards and hilly landscapes. This makes it possible to compare different day plans: the length serves as a clear point of reference, while the choice between walking and cycling determines the character of the outing.

The Antica via Ala-Serravalle is connected to the Adige Cycle Path and has links to Serravalle and Pilcante. Along the route, there are 13 points of interest with explanatory panels from the Museo Civico. The route thus combines physical activity with informative stops and provides access to the landscape and cultural themes around Serravalle.

Transport Route, Castles and Fortifications

Together with Chizzola on the opposite bank of the Adige, Serravalle formed a compulsory crossing point for traffic and trade along the river. The Serravalle-Chizzola passage was repeatedly fortified and guarded over the centuries. Serravalle’s medieval history includes a lower and an upper castle; however, their walls and remains were destroyed.

The area’s more recent military history is also still visible. During the First World War, a defensive line with extensive fortifications ran near Serravalle, including the Marani trench.

Pilgrimage and Early Settlement Traces

In the area around Serravalle, the Santuario di San Valentino rises on a hill overlooking Vallagarina from the Serravalle gorge to Castello di Sabbionara. The church was consecrated in 1329, and the hill was a destination for frequent pilgrimages. On the eastern slopes of the Adige Valley between Ala and Serravalle, there are also rock overhangs that have been used from prehistoric times to the present day. Archaeological excavations near the valley floor provide evidence of human settlements from the Neolithic period, more precisely from the 5th millennium BC.

The area around Serravalle has been used at least since Roman times. A necropolis was accidentally uncovered there in 1857 during the construction of the railway. The surrounding area also contains an ancient Calchera, a large barrel-vaulted kiln structure in which limestone was fired to produce lime.

Discover More Places

In addition to Serravalle, you can also visit Maderno, Aldeno, San Bernardo, Molina Di Ledro, Ville Del Monte, Alba, Chiesa and Pergine Valsugana.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trentino.