A true open-air art gallery with the added bonus of seeing (and touching!) the Guinness Book of Records-record-holding good luck witch.
Balbido is known as the “Painted Village” thanks to the numerous Murals that color the facades of its houses and for the “Stria” a giant witch from the Guinness Book of Records. Records.
The painted Village
Numerous Murals created by various artists using naive or graffiti techniques, complete with descriptions on labels, are numerous enough to be considered Live Art attractions.
They tell local legends, ancient crafts, and moments of rural daily life.
The “Stria di Balbido”
A giant witch (“stria” in dialect) with a pot made of wood and bamboo canes, who has earned a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest witch.
10.77 meters high and 4.5 meters wide, this imposing figure is located in the playground next to the parish church and represents a tribute to local folk traditions
Touching the Witch is said to bring good luck, and has become a real attraction for visitors and families.
Game Trail
“Sentiero dei Piccoli Camminatori – La Strada delle streghe”, a family-friendly game trail inspired by local legends
The Legend
The village is also linked to the legend of the witches, known locally as “strie,” who were said to populate the area.
Per proteggersi dalle loro malvagità, gli abitanti eressero cinque croci in ferro all’ingresso della valle, chiamate “cros”.
This tradition is told through various murals in the village, including one specifically dedicated to the witches of Val Marcia.
Locality: Balbido
Bleggio Superiore (Trento)
Trentino – Italy
What to see and where to go in the province surroundings nearby places to visit weekend Tourist Attractions Characteristic Villages Curiosities Thematic Museums unusual Experiences itineraries Free Entrance Walks Paths Routes Street Art