Opening up in front of you now is the oldest square in the village, the original centre. Let’s enjoy the sights together. There are many carved wood balconies, which is typical of mountain areas, you will notice they have been skilfully copied in recent work of renovation. There are different designs as the tastes of each family were diverse and possibly it was also to distinguish the property.

Further along there is the fountain which was connected to the washhouse. Of that we will talk about later. On your right there is Miceli’s arch, the symbol of Mezzano and only gateway with its original arch in the entire valley of Primiero. The arch was named after the family that owned the property and courtyard within, Miceli. One of the richest families in the village. It dates back to medieval times, about 1400 and it was probably the gateway to the entrance of the “Palazzo della Regola” also called “Marzolìa”. In the village of Tonadico there is “Palazzo Scopoli”, it too has an arched entrance, but after it collapsed, it was rebuilt in a modern style during the last restoration works.

Now I will spoil you with a short detour. It’s worth it. Follow the arrow to the left. You are on Via Fum, so called due to there being an old prison there, the Fum were the ropes used to tie up the prisoners.

Before you turn right again, your eye will be drawn a few metres downwards: on your left just after the corner of the house you will see “The Chain”, a wood installation that is synonymous to closure, mental closure too. A recurrent attitude especially in a generally closed environment as can be in the mountains. Clear examples remain, but they are hard to eradicate.

Now return a few steps back and follow the arrow.