Mazzin: Archaeology, Building History and Summer Hikes

Mazzin’s cultural history ranges from the fortified settlement of Doss dei Pigui, dating to the second Iron Age, to historic buildings such as Casa Battel and the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. Summer hikes and the Cultural Route 52 add landscape destinations and an approximate timeframe to this perspective. For your trip planning, the highlights can be divided into two groups: archaeological finds and architecture on the one hand, and summer trails and named destinations on the other.

Archaeological Finds and Building History

Doss dei Pigui was a fortified settlement dating to around 1000 BC that was continuously inhabited for centuries. Excavations uncovered five hearths, extensive terraced structures and two stone mills—one made of granite, the other of porphyry. Decorated ceramic and terracotta objects add to the picture of the finds. Together, the structural remains and grinding tools, along with the crafted objects, offer different insights into the settlement.

While Doss dei Pigui is known for its excavations, many of the objects and bronze ornaments found there can be viewed at the Museo Ladin de Fascia in Vigo di Fassa. The museum offers another point of interest if you are curious about the archaeological finds.

Another way to explore the past is Casa Battel, also known as Casa Cassan or Casa del Moro. The house was built in the 16th century and is considered the only rustic, manor-style building in Val di Fassa. Decorative elements and a pointed tower define the building; its frescoes are of considerable artistic value. It was decorated with frescoes in 1785, when it became Jakob Cassan’s inn, “Gasthaus zum schwarzen Mann” (“Inn of the Black Man”).

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena also adds to the picture of local building history. It is late Gothic in style, dates from 1573 and was enlarged in 1894. The construction date and later extension mark two distinct phases. Together with Casa Battel, it offers a cultural-historical selection of sacred architecture and a building that later also served as an inn.

Mazzin is also associated with the “pitores fassani.” These seasonal craftsmen temporarily emigrated to decorate houses and monuments. The tradition links their temporary emigration with decorative work on buildings, adding another cultural facet to the area’s building history.

Mountain Scenery and Excursion Destinations

The rock faces of Catinaccio d’Antemonia, at 3,002 m, and Cima Dodici, at 2,446 m, form the backdrop to Mazzin. Catinaccio d’Antemonia is the higher of the two named landmarks. The elevations let you compare directly the mountains that frame the village.

In summer, Mazzin is the starting point for numerous hikes leading as far as Val Udai. Summer hikes also lead to Lago d’Antermoia, a high-altitude alpine lake with crystal-clear water on the Catinaccio. The destinations offer different highlights: one is the valley, the other the lake on the Catinaccio.

The Cultural Route 52 begins and ends in Mazzin, is 4.2 km long and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. This gives you an approximate timeframe and distance for the route, while the summer hikes are distinguished by their destinations. Both provide a concrete reference point for your plans, depending on whether you want to focus on a cultural route or an excursion into the landscape.

A free ski bus runs from Mazzin towards the lifts of the Dolomiti Superski area. Timetables may vary by season; check the timetable for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Castello-Molina Di Fiemme, Sporminore, Tremalzo, Tregiovo, Denno, Bagni Di Rabbi, Lagolo, Caldes.

View the main travel overview: Trentino.