HISTORY
Valvestino and the village of Magasa share a long, intertwined history shaped by their remote mountain setting and deeply rooted traditions.
Tucked away in the scenic mountains between Lake Garda and Lake Idro, Valvestino and the village of Magasa have a rich, layered history shaped by geography, tradition, and resilience.
For centuries, these remote highland communities thrived in relative isolation, preserving unique dialects, customs, and ways of life closely tied to the rhythms of nature.
Historically part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the early 20th century, the area has long straddled cultural and political borders.
Its stone houses, terraced fields, and alpine pastures reflect a lifestyle rooted in self-sufficiency, pastoralism, and deep respect for the land.
Even today, Magasa remains one of the smallest and highest municipalities in the province of Brescia, proud of its peaceful charm and cultural heritage.
ANCIENT ORIGINS
The name Magasa comes from the Celtic word "mag", meaning field, hinting at its early agricultural identity.
The area was first inhabited by the Stoni,
a little-known ancient people, followed by the Gallic Cenomani.
These early groups were later succeeded by the Romans, who brought road systems and administrative order, and then the Lombards, whose influence shaped much of northern Italy in the early medieval period.
Medieval Period and the Lodrone Rule
From the 13th century until 1807, Magasa and the entire Val Vestino valley were ruled by the noble Lodrone family, who were vassals of the Episcopal Principality of Trento.
During this period, Magasa became part of a semi-independent feudal territory, and the valley enjoyed a unique administrative status due to its isolation.
The village’s statutes and customs were codified as early as 1589, a sign of its strong local governance and community identity.
ANCIENT ORIGINS
The name Magasa comes from the Celtic word "mag", meaning field, hinting at its early agricultural identity.
The area was first inhabited by the Stoni,
a little-known ancient people, followed by the Gallic Cenomani.
These early groups were later succeeded by the Romans, who brought road systems and administrative order, and then the Lombards, whose influence shaped much of northern Italy in the early medieval period.
Austro-Hungarian and Italian Transition
Though geographically isolated, Magasa became officially part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the mid-19th century.
It wasn’t until the end of World War I in 1919 that Magasa and Val Vestino were annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. Later, in 1934, Magasa was separated from Trentino and became administratively connected to the village of Turano.
In 1947, Magasa regained full municipal autonomy and reinstated many of its historical statutes. Today, it stands as an independent municipality and a proud guardian of its centuries-old traditions.
