A village of traditions in Val di Fiemme, known for its nativity scenes, crafts and cross-country stadium.
A short history
Tesero sits at about a thousand metres, on the sunny side of Val di Fiemme, just below Cavalese. It is a village of old houses, with alleys, courtyards and a church frescoed on its facade, the Church of the Sonadori.
The village is bound to its traditions. In Tesero the art of the nativity scene is alive: in the weeks of Christmas the families set up sacred scenes in the streets and houses, and the village fills with visitors. Alongside the nativity scenes the crafts of wood and wrought iron endure, valley trades handed down from generation to generation.
On the valley floor opens the cross-country stadium of Lago di Tesero, a World Cup race venue and stage for great Nordic skiing competitions. Above the village, instead, the trails climb towards the meadows and peaks of the Lagorai, among alpine huts and woods.
Just outside the centre stands the Church of San Rocco, raised in the sixteenth century after a vow during the plague of 1515. On its facade stands the famous fresco of the Christ of Sunday, one of the best preserved in the Alpine arc. The Christ is surrounded by work tools and sharp implements that pierce his body, a reminder of the precept of holy-day rest. In a time of little literacy, those images spoke louder than words.
The tradition of the nativity scenes has roots in the eighteenth century. From 8 December to Epiphany nearly a hundred nativity scenes fill the courtyards, the cellar windows and the little squares of the village, and those who walk the alleys end up part of it. In Piazza Cesare Battisti the Amici del Presepio association has cared since 1965 for a life-size nativity scene, taken also to cities such as Naples, L'Aquila and Krakow.
How to fit Tesero into a three, five or seven day trip: The Dolomites in 3, 5 or 7 Days: How to Plan Your Trip.
What to see
- The Lagorai range, the wild ridge above the village, with trails, lakes and huts far from the crowds.
- Alpe Cermis, the nearby mountain shared with Cavalese, among ski runs and high-altitude meadows.
- The old town with the Church of the Sonadori, the Christmas nativity scenes and the workshops of wood and iron crafts.
How to get to Tesero
By car, leave the A22 Brenner motorway at Egna-Ora and climb the valley-floor road of Val di Fiemme, just before Cavalese. The nearest station is Ora, on the Brenner line, linked to the village by local buses. On the valley floor lies the cross-country stadium of Lago di Tesero.
When to go
In winter Tesero is a base for cross-country skiing, with the Lago di Tesero stadium, and close to the runs of Alpe Cermis. At Christmas the village fills with nativity scenes set up in the streets and houses. In summer the trails climb towards the meadows and huts of the Lagorai.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Tesero?
The old town with the frescoed Church of the Sonadori, the Christmas nativity scenes set up in the streets, the craft workshops, and on the valley floor the cross-country stadium of Lago di Tesero. Above the village climb the Lagorai trails.
Why is Tesero famous for its nativity scenes?
Because at Christmas the families of the village set up nativity scenes and sacred scenes in the streets and houses, following a deep-rooted tradition. The village becomes a nativity-scene trail that draws many visitors in the festive weeks.
How do you get to Tesero?
By car you leave the A22 at Egna-Ora and climb the valley-floor road of Val di Fiemme, just before Cavalese. The nearest station is Ora, on the Brenner line, linked to the village by the local buses that serve the valley.
What is the cross-country stadium of Lago di Tesero?
It is the Nordic skiing venue on the valley floor, a World Cup race site and stage for great cross-country competitions. In winter it is the reference point for those who practise cross-country skiing in the valley.
What is the Christ of Sunday fresco in Tesero?
It is the famous fresco on the facade of the Church of San Rocco, raised in the sixteenth century. The Christ is surrounded by work tools and sharp implements, a reminder of the precept of holy-day rest. It is one of the best preserved in the Alpine arc.
When can you see the nativity scenes of Tesero?
The nativity scenes are set up from 8 December to Epiphany. Nearly a hundred fill the courtyards, the cellar windows and the little squares of the village. In Piazza Cesare Battisti the Amici del Presepio have cared since 1965 for a life-size nativity scene.