Azzone
Small village at the foot of Pizzo Camino and gateway to the Giovetto Nature Reserve.
Nestled at the entrance of Val di Scalve, Azzone is surrounded by the lush greenery of its meadows and woods. The landscape invites hikers of all levels, from families with children to experienced trekkers looking for more challenging routes.
Azzone is also an oasis of biodiversity. In fact, in the Giovetto Forest Nature Reserve, visitors can observe the industrious Rufa ants, which have the ability to protect the entire forest ecosystem from harmful insect invasions.
Bordered to the northeast by Pizzo Camino and the Pale hills, Azzone reflects the traditional structure of mountain villages. In the senter of the village there is the main square, home to the municipal building. Among the roofs of the houses, the bell tower of the parish church and the Civic Tower stand out. The church, dedicated to Saint Philip and Saint James, houses artworks, including artistic treasures by Antonio Cifrondi. The medieval Civic Tower, dating back to the 14th century, is also depicted on the town’s coat of arms.
In the year 2000, as part of various initiatives celebrating the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the Giovetto Forests, one particular event focused on the ancient charcoal-making technique known as “puat” (also called “puiat” or “poiat” in other parts of Val di Scalve). The charcoal burners of Azzone reconstructed and demonstrated this traditional method.
Following techniques developed and passed down through centuries, carefully selected and stacked wood was burned “without flames” for days to produce charcoal.
The video below, created by the Municipality of Azzone, documents the lighting of the puat at Castelletti.
Boscaioli e carbonai ad Azzone – Davide Bassanesi
foto di Giovanni Marchesi
