GOING OUT FOR MALGHE

 

The highest form of agritourism

by Matteo Ciaghi

 

Up in the mountains, agritourism is an option strictly linked to the malghe which where once the centre of the rural alpine country life, based on two fundamental activities: the mountain grazing and the sylviculture. Already in ancient parchments dating back to the XIII century, the actual word “malga” appears to document the prevailing activity of the population in Giudicarie who, from the cattle-breeding, cows, sheep and goats would get the necessary to survive and also earn some money. As a matter of fact, in order to possess a malga, even bleeding disputes would take place. An example is the “Dispute of Malga Movlina”, a historical event dating back to 1137. There was a mortal duel between Rendeneri, from Giustino, and Bleggiani; a desperate duel between the representatives of the two sides, to gain the supremacy for the survival of their own community. As time went by, the malga played the role of preserving mountains and the pastures, becoming an instrument to defend and safeguard the territory.
From 1950 to today, the malghe used for summer pastures have reduced from 600 down to 220 but they haven't lost their authentically rural atmosphere even when turned into farms ( or farm holidays). Closed in wintertime, the malghe open towards mid-June, when the herders, following the traditional rituals, lead their cattle to high mountain pastures. In order to discover this world, through the program Andar per Malghe, you can go on an excursion in Val d'Algone, Valagola, Val Brenta, Laghi di San Giuliano (Saint Julian's Lakes) and the Tovel area, Val di Fumo and Val di Breguzzo. Passing through some of the most fascinating places in the Adamello Park, you follow ancient paths, once used for commerce and exchanges, that are kept alive today by the malgari. In tsome malghe, you can even stay overnight, you can eat plain and genuine food, buy butter and cheese and follow the production of dairy products. You spend a day out, in the open air, discovering the rythm and the rituals of the ancient profession of the malgaro.

 

Casear, Roncone, 1979