Smarano - Predaia
Smarano is a small town located in a splendid position on a green plain in sight of the Anauni Mountains. The town rests in an area sitting at the centre of the Predaia plateau and features woods to the North and fruit orchards to the South. The uniqueness of the region - which alternates woodlands and meadows - has inspired the 12 Trails of Anaunia. These hiking trails have been marked out along a recently refurbished yet ancient road stretching from Rocchetta to Castel Thun, and takes travellers through several conifer and beech woods. The Smalgiada dele vace is held here to celebrate the end of summer, when the cows are fetched from the summer Alpine meadows back to the bottom of the valley.
Special mention goes to the Church of the Assunta which dates back to 1280. Built by G. Ghilardi in 1993, its new remarkable mechanical organ lends itself well to playing Renaissance and Baroque music. And of course, classes by the International Academy of Organ and Harpsichord Improvisation are held here.
Smarano is an active art and handcraft-oriented centre as well as home to several painters, sculptors, restorers and craftsmen working with iron and wood. They keep the ancient traditions alive with the Come'n bot. Vardar. Bever. Magnar - a special event dedicated to the traditional trades - and the Raduno di Trattori d'epoca (Period Tractor Meeting). The Art and Antiques Gallery is also worth a visit in the summer.
