Antiche Terre

Antiche Terre: when a ghost town comes back to life

Antiche Terre is an autumn historical re-enactment that brings the village of Zambana Vecchia, in the municipality of Terre d'Adige (Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige), back to life every year. For a full weekend in October, the streets of the old settlement—silent for most of the year—come alive with over a hundred volunteers in period clothing, recreating the gestures, crafts, and atmosphere of traditional rural life.

A village marked by history

Zambana Vecchia is a unique place in Trentino. Nestled at the foot of the Paganella mountain, the village was devastated by a series of landslides between 1955 and 1956, making daily life impossible. Residents were relocated to the new village of Zambana Nuova in the Adige valley, and the old village remained a "ghost town" for decades, with only the ancient parish church left almost intact. It was not until the 1990s, following major stabilization works, that the village became accessible again. Antiche Terre was born to preserve this memory and restore dignity and life to a place with a strong sense of identity.

A journey through the decades of the 20th century

The event features an original concept: each edition reconstructs the atmosphere of a different period of the last century. Recent editions have focused on the 1950s and the post-war recovery, featuring a photographic exhibition and personal accounts from the elderly titled Nuova speranza (New Hope). Visitors can stroll along the "Avenue of Memories," observe ancient agricultural tools, watch craft demonstrations, and participate in workshops.

What to experience at Antiche Terre

• Photographic exhibitions and personal accounts from the elderly regarding the village's history
• Workshops for children: preparing gnocchi, cheese-making, and traditional games
• Market exhibition of agricultural products and handicrafts
• Holy Mass in the ancient church of Zambana Vecchia and guided tours
• Afternoon chestnut roast and closing music

The 'terrini', the village currency

One of the most characteristic elements is the 'terrini' ticket system: to enjoy traditional dishes at the refreshment points set up among the village houses, visitors use a local currency minted specifically for the occasion. In the taverns, you can taste canederli, polenta, strangolapreti, and other Trentino specialties. Admission to the event is free.

Organizers

Antiche Terre is organized by the Pro Loco of Zambana and Nave San Rocco, with the involvement of numerous local associations and the support of the Piana Rotaliana Königsberg Tourist Board. It is a deeply communal event that mobilizes volunteers of all ages every year to bring a piece of Trentino's history back to life, even if only for a weekend.