If you don’t come from the parking lot, this is the first time we meet. So, welcome to Mezzano! I am the app of Mezzano Romantica, your very own tour guide! Let’s skip the formalities and cut to chase: You can read me while you walk, but to tell the truth, it would be best if you heard me, so that you can fully enjoy the beauty of our village. However, I strongly encourage you to follow the arrows and the eye signs, so you do not miss anything!

In front of the town hall, you can see the Church, the first of the wood-stack installations (“The spheres of the imaginary” (three spheres that completely change not only the forms, but also the meaning of it, as the center space makes room for imagination and mystery) and the Brolo square.

And one can’t help but notice the modern yet classic architectural style of the stage, just like the info point on the other side of the square, where you can refer to for more information.

In front of the town hall there is a fairly big wood-stack art installation entitled “In the beginning”. Its touching immediacy is easy to understand: three men are  sawing down a tree, something that will last forever; Cutting down a tree is the beginning of everything, it is with a tree that one makes a roof, a house and fire place.

Now, let me tell you more about Mezzano: it has a population of about 1600 inhabitants, it is located at 640 metres above man sea level and has a land area of 48 square kilometres.

The origin of its name is probably linked with its position half way along the valley – from Latin medianus, mediano -, set between Imer – from imus lower -, and Siror – superior – higher. There are also other theories on this: It either originated from the De Mezan family that lived here, or from the name of a piece of land under Roman authority called Mettianus.

The houses of the village are built on the sweet northern slope, sorrounded by the Pale di San Martino, bordering the Belluno Dolomites with the pyramid-shaped Mount Pavione in the south.

The discovery of tools made of flintstone/flintstone tools near the Colbricon lakes confirms the theory that nomad hunters were living there already in the Mesolithic, about 7000 years ago, in rudimentary hunting settlements. Several historical artifacts found in Primiero and archeological excavations performed in the Church of Pieve led to the discovery of the foundations of an early Christian church, clear evidence of a permanent settlement before the year 1000.

At the beginning, Primiero, and therefore Mezzano as well, was subject to the authority of the archdiocese of Feltre. In 1373, the entire valley was under the authority of Tyrolean Counts, the House of Habsburg, and in 1386 it was under the direct control of the Duke of Austria who in 1401 passed the fiefdom down to the Barons and later to the Welsperg Counts, wo ruled the land until the end of The First World War.

The bypass was constructed in 2005 and it seriously risked cutting off the village. Live or die? With the critical eye of outsiders analysing the situation objectively, it was recognised that Mezzano had the right cards to play as far as tourism was concerned by focussing with determination on Mezzano’s farming and agricultural past, in what was an overall well-preserved place. From here five key factors were identified: the signs that indicate a rural life and the treasures that have been well maintained: water, vegetable gardens, architecture, frescos and inscriptions.

From here, in a short time, the village became part of the exclusive club “The most beautiful villages of Italy”. The village takes pride in this identity of being an artistic and rural village, where traditions resist, and innovation is embraced as the driving force of development.

In 2010 Mezzano Romantica was launched; it unites within Romanticism places, people and signs that indicate a rural life. It has offered the village a cultural rebirth, hosting international musicians; summer is always exciting with symphonic concerts, operas, musicals and many other shows.

In 2011, as a finishing touch the “Cataste e Canzei” wood-stack installation exhibition was set in motion, a mix of artistic works that adorn different parts of the village. They reflect the skill of villagers who build their wood-stacks so as to ensure an adequate supply of fuel for the winter. Canzel is the dialect term for wood-stack. This original idea, unique in the world, was the brainchild of Ivano Orsingher.

While you walk I will tell you about every one of these features, so you can discover the past life of farming, some of which could become part of you. The pace of life is slower, life is simpler, you can certainly feel nature, the past is an inspiration, the locals all know each other, and they love their land. The locals will recognise you. You only have to look around you, breathe the air, and if you wish, ask. Now is the time. Pass through the gateway and you are within.

Walk along the side of the Town Hall. Can you see the arrow on those steps? Follow it and it will guide you along the way. If you downloaded the app correctly and have a working internet connection, you’ll get a buzzing notification or a message on your phone; you’ll be standing in front of the next station. I will await you there.