Maso Spilzi

Maso Spilzi, a unique example of an alpine settlement in Folgaria

Located in Costa at 2 km and a half from Folgaria, the building has been - since 1985 - the property of the Magnifica Comunità di Folgaria, which decided to turn it into an ethnographic museum. Historically owned by wealthy Spilzi family, who built it during the second half of the 18th century, Maso Spilzi is now a unique and original example of an Alpine settlement - something halfway between a noble residence and a fortified complex.

Here, visitors will be able to note a number of elements calling to a castle rather than a peaceful noble palace: its large sections, stacked one on top of the other, which are arranged around a deep internal courtyard protected on the West by high walls, and a hanging walkway, whereas the door of the large hayloft - currently used as exhibitions' venue - features slits to host the ropes of a drawbridge.

For years, it has hosted an exhibition of rural artefacts. In addition to housing a Club House belonging to a nearby golf course and a restaurant, it currently features two multimedia exhibitions too, one on Biotopes and woods and another on Traces left by man in the snow.