The presence of numerous museums is to be attributed to the richness of the paleontological and prehistoric discoveries of this area and to the great interest in the traditions and ancient crafts practiced by our ancestors.
Bolca is known worldwide for the acclaimed fossils (plants and fish) from the Tertiary Period (Middle Eocene, about 50 million years ago) discovered at various sites in the area, the most famous of which are the Pessàra, Postale, Vegroni, Monte Purga and Spilecco.
Over the last 500 years, these extraordinary specimens, unique in their variety and their state of conservation, have wowed scientists, academics, geologists and palaeontologists, but also heads of state, popes, politicians and ambassadors.
The museum, owned by the Mountain Community of Lessinia, is managed by the Curatorium Cimbricum Veronense and was established between 1970 and 1972.
The Cimbri, a population of Germanic origin who settled in eastern Lessinia from the end of the 13th century as woodcutters and charcoal burners, reveal traditions and stories from bygone times thanks to numerous artistic and architectural artefacts, their ancient language, and the jobs they once did. Tools and implements are evidence of the work of woodcutters and charcoal burners, and of activities linked to sheep farming, crafting, and much more.
Visiting the museum is like taking a step back in time!
The "trombini", also known as "s-ciopi" or "pistons", derive from seventeenth-eighteenth century weapons of war, used mostly to strike terror, to knock down stockades, to make your way through a crowd or to defend yourself when travelling. Their origins probably date back to 1611, when some soldiers were commissioned to defend the Passo Pertica, Lessinia and Val di Falcon armed with muskets and carabiners, which were transformed over time into festive and devotional trombini, used for folkloristic purposes.
The museum documents the construction and use of the trombino, its evolution over time, the various stages of loading, the pressure exerted on the powder inserted into the barrel from above and the firing operations. The building houses a collection of various models of trombini and pistons, which together with some videos explain how the weapons work, how they are made and how they are used.
The feast of the Trombini is celebrated every year on the day of the Holy Trinity between May and June in San Bortolo, while that of the Abbey's Pistonieri is on the first Sunday of June in Badia Calavena.
For about thirty years, two associations called "Trombini di San Bortolo" and "Pistonieri dell'Abbazia di Badia Calavena" have kept the tradition alive by accompanying every festival in the area with these characteristic instruments.
Today, in San Bartolo delle Montagne, a group of trombonieri (i.e. those who shoot this harmless weapon) has created a folkloristic association that is one of its kind in Europe, which carries on ancient customs and, since 2017 has managed the museum of the Trombini of Lessinia.
The museum is located in San Bortolo delle Montagne, in the municipality of Selva di Progno (VR), in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, next to the church bell tower.
Opening time
From 15 April to 30 September: Sunday 9.00-12.00 / 15.0018.30 The other days of the year by reservation.
Info:
Strada del Vino Soave
Piazza Foro Boario, 1
37038 Soave (VR)
+39 045 7681407
associazione@stradadelvinosoave.com
