Nestled in the pristine nature of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, not far from the plateau of Paganella, Spormaggiore is a charming town in the province of Trento, located on a natural terrace overlooking the Val di Non. It is 'the ideal destination in Summer for lovers of long walks and mountain bike fans, while during the Winter, from here it easy to reach the ski area of Paganella.
The name "Spor" derives from the Latin word "sparum", which collectively refers to all the settlements that arose along the Sporeggio. The first documented reports date back to 1185.
The first inhabitants of the area were the Reti (an ancient Italic population), as witnessed by the presence of the Dos di Ciasion. Later the area was colonized by the Cenomani Gauls, followed by the Romans and the Lombards. Around the year 1000 it was proclaimed Municipality with its own regulations, even though, at the same time, it belonged to the County of Tyrol until 1815.
Sites of Interest:
- the ruins of Castel Belfort, dating from the XIV century;
- Corte Franca, an old feudal mansion which now houses the Park House, dedicated to the alpine brown bear, considered the king of the mountains;
- the Church of St. Vigilio, originally built in 1295, and subject to subsequent alterations and additions, is flanked by an elegant square Bell Tower, which is topped by a three mullioned windows. The entrance is preceded by a rectangular atrium in the Renaissance style, the portal is ogival with beautiful patterns in relief, dated 1686. The interior features a central nave with three aisles, a chancel and a valuable XVII century carved and gilded wood altar. Worth of mention are the fine altarpiece, which is a masterpiece of the Polish artist Martin Teofilo, the choir, the wooden funeral shield of Count Pancrazio Spaur and a monumental tomb;
- the New Church, which was built next to the older one, a project of the architect De Claricini. It is in Lombard style with Byzantine elements and features high, bright large windows and an extensive use of stone elements;
- the Chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie, built in 1719 by the Counts Spaur and located where the old and the new church intersect.