Early history: 13th to 16th century As early as the
13th century, the
Folgaria Plateau was part of the bishopric of Beseno, under the direct control of the
Prince-Bishop of Trento. The area was impacted by the
Cimbri colonization, which led to the formation of several modern municipalities in the Folgaria area. In 1222, Folgaria was mentioned as one of the first free municipalities in Trentino, governed by its own administrative bodies. By around 1500, the Cimbri language was widespread in most of the pre-Sommo settlements and those along the Rio Cavallo/Rosspach valley. The language persisted until the early 1960s, and certain expressions were still heard in the villages of Mezzomonte, Cueli-Liberi, San Sebastiano, Tezzeli, and Carbonare. Many geographical names still bear clear traces of the language. Due to border disputes, the village submitted to the lords of
Castel Beseno in 1285, the
Castelbarco family (in
1315 the village issued its own statute, the
Carta Ordinamentorum). By 1500, it freed itself from them and submitted to the
Republic of Venice, which granted it complete autonomy in contrast to the feudal authority of the castle. In 1510, Folgaria fell back under
Habsburg control, leading to conflicts with the Trapp family, who attempted to restore their lost feudal dependence. The long dispute with the mountain village, known as the
Causa Trappia, was marked by violence and crime and lasted for over two hundred years. In an armed confrontation in Carpeneda in February 1593, seven Folgaretan residents were killed. In their memory, a chapel called the
Chapel of the Seven Widows was erected.
The Magnifica Comunità The municipality still bears the title
Magnifica Comunità. It is unclear exactly when the bishopric granted the title and the associated rights to independence and self-governance. Documentation is lacking, as much of the municipality's archive was destroyed during World War I. It is believed that the origins of the title date back to the 12th century, possibly in 1111, as part of the so-called Ghebardini treaties, which also led to the foundation of the Magnifica Comunità of Fiemme. The autonomy of the Magnifica Comunità di Folgaria was later confirmed by the Austrian Emperor. However, the Magnifica Comunità was dissolved in 1805 under the administrative reforms introduced by
Napoleon Bonaparte, which affected the rights of the Austrian government. These Napoleonic policies were later confirmed by the Bavarian government. The people of Folgaria are still proud of these old traditions of autonomy, freedom, and self-rule. The name is still informally used on public buildings and on municipal signage. ==Points of interest==