Discover Storo: churches, mining history and polenta

Storo lies on the edge of the floodplain of the Chiese River. Highlights of the town include old farmhouses and churches in the historic centre, archaeological traces, and the mining history of Darzo. Festivals celebrating polenta and Carnival add to the picture; tour descriptions focus on different aspects of the landscape, views and trail surfaces.

Historic Storo: Contrade, churches and early traces

The historic centre still has old farmhouses with courtyards and threshing floors, barrel-vaulted entrance halls and gateways. Praél is the oldest of Storo’s four contrade. The churches tell the story of different periods in the town’s history: San Floriano is mentioned in a document dated 4 June 1189 and was rebuilt between 1509 and 1521.

The church of San Lorenzo was built or rebuilt in the early 16th century and was first mentioned in 1537. Its apse paintings date from 1520 and are stylistically attributed to the circle of the Baschenis. During Garibaldi’s campaign of 1866, the church was used for military purposes. Its building history, art and specific historical use therefore belong to different periods.

The Doredónt archaeological site is very likely to date to the Middle Bronze Age, around 1700 to 1600 BC. It preserves structural elements of a seasonal settlement associated with alpine farming. The discoveries at Vacil and Doredónt also point to the role of the Chiese Valley since prehistoric times: it was important for settlement in the Alpine region and as a route between different cultural worlds. The La Bastia fortification controlled routes along the Chiese as well as the connection to the Ledro Valley.

The Castello di Lodrone, also known as Santa Barbara, lies within the municipality of Storo. It was the oldest seat of the Lodron family. Santa Barbara was a true fortress, designed and built primarily as a military structure.

Mining history in Darzo and at Parco Forte Ampola

In Darzo, a hamlet of Storo, the “La strada delle miniere” mural trail forms a loop through houses decorated with paintings about the mining tradition. The scenes depict the processing, extraction, sorting and transport of ore. The Miniere di Darzo mining village in Darzo reopened for guided visits in summer 2026; check current dates before visiting.

Every December, around 4 December, Darzo holds the Festa di Santa Barbara. The mining tradition behind the festival was revived and renewed from 2011 onward. Within the municipality of Storo, Parco Forte Ampola was the scene of battles and clashes from the Risorgimento through the First World War. Visitor activities include free public and guided tours, workshops and walks in the park, as well as visits to the First World War and Risorgimento museum. The guided “Percorso Forte Ampola e canyon valle Lorina” excursion includes a guided visit to the park and its museum and is organised by prior arrangement.

Polenta, festivals and local traditions

The Festival della Polenta takes place every year in Storo on the first weekend of October. During live cooking demonstrations in the historic centre, the Polentèr prepare different varieties of polenta in large cauldrons. Participants receive a tasting kit with a card for sampling the various dishes, as well as a town map showing the festival route. As programme details may change, it is advisable to check the latest festival information before your trip.

Trying Polenta di Storo is also recommended as an activity for visitors. The Gran Carnevale di Storo began in 1967. At the carnival, visitors can walk around the stationary floats and admire their details. The polenta tradition and the carnival offer different ways to get involved: one focuses on preparing and tasting a local dish, the other on viewing the floats.

Routes and scenery around Storo

A branch of the Ciclovia della Valle del Chiese connects Lake Idro to Storo, following the Palvico. The Ampola Storo Trail has long sections on cycle paths and forest roads. The Storo–Tremalzo tour takes in varied alpine scenery and views of Lake Idro and Cima Tombea. The descriptions focus on different aspects: this tour emphasises scenery and views, while the Ampola Storo Trail features changing trail surfaces. When comparing tours, you can use these specific features as a guide.

Discover more destinations: Maderno, Sarnonico, San Lorenzo In Banale, Villa Lagarina, Brentonico, Mazzin, Varena, Ivano-Fracena.

For the broader travel overview: Trentino.