ENEGO
At the shadow of the Scala Tower
The town of Enego (“Ghenebe” in Cimbrian) is located in the North-West of the Plateau.
In the centre of the town square you can still admire the Scala Tower. Built around 1300, it is the only tower left of the four that were part of the castle belonged to the Scala Family and used by these nobles as a summer residence.
The cathedral in Enego is dedicated to Santa Giustina. From the top of its staircase you can see the whole town. Designed by the architect Francesco Menegazzo in a neo-classical style, it has two bell towers on its sides: one original, and the other one built after the Great War. Inside there is an altar piece by Jacopo Da Ponte, depicting Saint Giustina with Saint Anthony Abbot, Saint Sebastian and Saint Rocco.
There are also still few remains of the old Bastia, a small fortification built by the Romans to defend Vicenza. Today only the base of the tower remains, filled with earth.
Not far from Enego, on the territory of Grigno Valsugana (province of Trento), you can find the Grotta di Ernesto (“Cave of Ernesto”). The karst cave, formed as a result of erosion performed by groundwater, was discovered by chance in 1983 and represents today an archaeological site of great interest, due to the remains found here that testifying the presence of men in the cave. To see the cave, follow these directions: if you drive from Enego, you should take the turn for Frizzone (TN) and follow the signs to Stivai; you can park at the Trattoria Bellavista. The cave is accessible only by guided tours. Here you can make a reservation for visiting the cave:
- in July and August per Tel: 330 521420 (Trattoria Bellavista)
- in May, June and October per Tel: 0461 233730 (Office of Archaeological Heritage of Trento) or Tel: 0461 305040 (Tridentine Museum of Natural Sciences).
Enego is located on the territory of the Marcésina Valley, one of the most fascinating places on the Plateau, an endless stretch of green plain, unique and untouched, full of meadows, bogs and vegetation, where there are even species of a carnivorous plant. In winter, the vast plain offers plenty of beautiful trails for cross-country skiing.
In Enego, there are also the Forts of Coldarco and of Lisser, built during the First World War. To reach the Enego region you cross the Valgadena Bridge. This bridge is 175 metres high and is one of the highest viaducts in Italy. From its parapet, you can try bungee jumping, making a jump of 165 metres.
