History of the refuge
Historical roots
In the late 19th century, the SAT (Società degli Alpinisti Tridentini) undertook the construction of Rifugio Altissimo Damiano Chiesa. Located just a few meters below the summit of Monte Altissimo di Nago, 2079 m, this refuge was inaugurated in 1892. Its establishment represented a significant commitment by mountaineers and mountain enthusiasts, who wanted to create a point of refreshment and gathering in this breathtaking panoramic area.
The challenge of War and Resistance
During the First World War, the Altissimo Damiano Chiesa Refuge was a place of strategic importance and a shelter for soldiers engaged in combat on Monte Altissimo. Despite the challenges of the conflict, the shelter remained surprisingly intact, becoming a symbol of resilience. In 1921, after the war, it was dedicated to the Trentino martyr Damiano Chiesa, a tribute to the memory of those who had sacrificed their lives. This dedication gave the shelter an even deeper meaning.
Rebirth and growth
In the 1960s, the Altissimo Damiano Chiesa Refuge experienced a revival thanks to the improvement of the infrastructure and the construction of the Malcesine-Bocca Tratto Spino Cableway. These developments facilitated access to the refuge, which began to record a significant increase in visitors. In 1963, the SAT section of Rovereto transferred the refuge to the SAT section of Mori, which initiated a series of expansion, improvement, and important renovations between 1971, 1994, 2005, and 2015. These interventions provided the refuge with sanitary facilities, thermal insulation, water supply, and electrical system with eco-sustainable and cutting-edge technologies.
Discovering the Most High and the refuge
Today, Monte Altissimo and its Altissimo Damiano Chiesa Refuge invite visitors throughout the year. The summit offers a spectacular panorama, ranging from Lake Garda to the surrounding mountain ranges, providing a 360-degree view. This area is rich in botanical rarities, with the Bes-Corna Piana Nature Reserve hosting extraordinary biodiversity. Additionally, the landscape of Baldo is fascinating from the perspective of rural architecture, with huts and mountain dairies bearing witness to a history and culture rooted among the mountains.
The Rifugio Altissimo Damiano Chiesa is a place that embodies the passion for the mountains, the history of the region, and the commitment to sustainability. We are ready to welcome you and share these experiences with you.