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Avio is situated along the river Etsch and because of its mild climate olive-growing, and most of all the wine-growing is of importance. Excavations from the Romanesque period, inscriptions and a large amount of old coins found, give evidence of medieval trading. One of many interesting old buildings is the castle Sabbionara, still partly occupied by the family Castelbarco's heirs. The renovation was done by the Italian ecology funds, and this impressive fortified castle is situated picturesquely in the Vallagarina hills. They say the great Dante Aighieri even lived here. Extraordinary frescoes of the 14th cent. are in the 'Wächterhaus', showing battlescenes, the castle, Saint George with the dragon, episodes of the knights's life with detailed weapons, clothes and coat of arms. In the next room mysterious geometric patterns with Gotic letters are seen. The legend says this is to be understood as being a riddle for the condemned to solve and then saving their life. Worth seing is also the 'Love Chamber' in the tower. Take a look at my pictures in the gallery.
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