Just 2.5 km from Nembia, San Lorenzo in Banale is one of the most beautiful villages of Italy (“Borghi più Belli d'Italia”). This ancient country village, which consists of seven former rural residences, lies at the foot of the Val d'Ambiez valley and is the gateway to the
Adamello Brenta Nature Park. You can reach
San Lorenzo in Banale from our
garnì and discover it on a half a day’s easy hike.
From our Garnì to San Lorenzo in Banale on Foot
San Lorenzo in Banale is 2.5 km far from
Garnì Lago Nembia. You can reach it easily on a beautiful walk that leads you e.g. to the hamlets of Moline and Deggia and the pilgrimage church of Madonna di Caravaggio. The path starts at the Visitor’s Centre of San Lorenzo and leads to seven rural residences: at the beginning, these “villas” were separated. Then they expanded and melted into San Lorenzo in Banale.
The local Visitor’s Centre called “C'era una volta” (“Once upon a time”) stands in front of the main square Piazza Sette Ville. From here, you can reach Prato and the nearby hamlet of Prusa. Go on in the anti-clockwise direction until you reach Glolo, located in a wonderful position along the way to Castel Mani castle. Cross the road and reach Berghi - its paved path “via Caváda” has been shaped by sleds used in the past. Here the small church dedicated to Saint Apollonia (17th century) is well worth a visit. From Berghi you reach Pergnano and its small church of St. Rocco and St. Sebastiano with light-flooded frescos. Go on until Senaso, the best-preserved hamlet, where time seems to stand still. Here you can get to know the life and history of its inhabitants: people who lived by breeding and hunting as well as producing cheese and the typical sausages “Ciuìghe”. Your next stop is at the church of St. Matteo with its ancient, well-preserved square. The seventh and last hamlet is Dolaso that lies on the way to the Val d'Ambiez valley.
“Banale”: a Name of Peculiar Origins!
The Italian word “banale” refers to ancient feudal rights and has the same root as “banlieu” in French and “banato” in the Balkan languages. In the past San Lorenzo in Banale was also called “Banale verso Castel Mani” (towards Castel Mani) in order to distinguish it from the nearby “Banale verso Castel Stenico” (towards Castel Stenico). We recommend you to taste the well-known “Ciuìga del Banale” during your holiday in a
hotel or a
garnì in
San Lorenzo in Banale: this typical sausage with quality label “Presidio Slow-Food” is produced in this part of Trentino only.