Description of the attraction
Terzolas is an old village located on the southern slopes of Monte Lac (2431 m). It is an important agricultural center of the Val di Sole, and its many nurseries and orchards are part of the Melinda consortium. Terzolas is also famous for its cheeses, the tradition of which dates back to ancient times. Founded in 1971, the Cherchen cheese dairy supplies its products to the entire lower part of the Val di Sole and Val di Rabbi.
Archaeological excavations carried out in the vicinity of Terzolas in 1935 confirmed the assumption of scientists that these places were inhabited by humans in ancient times. This is also confirmed by the name of the town, which has Latin roots. Several bronze coins found here indicate the presence of the Romans. The very first documentary evidence of Terzolas dates back to the 13th century. Then this city was the residence of many noble families - Ferrari, Grieffenberg, Malanotti, who built luxurious houses here, and to this day adorn the center of Terzolas. They say that in 1516 the town was honored with a visit by the emperor Maximilian I. After many centuries of self-government Terzolas in the Napoleonic era was annexed in the commune of Male and only in 1952 regained its independence.
In the very center of Terzolas, on the north side of the main square of the city, stands the Palazzo della Toraccia (Casa Malanotti), a fine example of a late Renaissance aristocratic residence. It is a successful combination of a small fortified castle with loopholes, arquebusses and embrasures on the facade and the palace itself with elegant vaulted windows and Gothic elements. The facade portal is made in the Renaissance style. The palazzo was built between 1573 and 1579 by order of Francesco Enigler. In 1645, the building was partially destroyed and later expanded and re-decorated at the initiative of Carlo Malanotti. He also ordered to paint the hall on the second floor with frescoes depicting satyrs, plants, cupids and family crosses. In the 1980s, Palazzo della Toraccia was renovated and today houses the city council and the historic library of the Val di Sole Science Center.
Also in Terzolas, the Church of San Nicolo deserves attention, which was rebuilt by a local artisan in 1794-1800 on his own initiative. Having preserved the medieval apse, turned into a sacristy, and the old bell tower with a brick spire and vaulted windows, he built a church in the Baroque style. Inside, the temple has one nave and five marble altars and is decorated with 17th-19th century paintings, frescoes and a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At the very end of Terzolas, towards the town of Male, you can see the Capuchin monastery, standing in a very picturesque place. It was built in 1896, along with the adjacent Church of the Sacred Heart, a cloister and living quarters for novices.
