Roman in origin, the village of Ala has always been a place of transit and strategic from both an economic and military perspective because of its location on several of the most important communication routes linking Europe and the Mediterranean.
The art of silk-weaving and velvet-making changed the town, transforming it into an important economic centre and prompting substantial alterations at the urban level and to the cultural and artistic environment.
Ancient residences on the urban medieval layout underwent significant renovation and embellishment and today, the palaces of the velvet merchants are testimony of that period of wealth. Located on the current via Santa Caterina, the two imposing palazzi de’ Pizzini evoke the age of velvets and silk; while Palazzo Angelini and Palazzo de Gresti bear the vestiges of a past full of charm and historical importance, in particular to the time of the velvet merchants when Ala was given the title of "city".
Piazza San Giovanni, the city’s political and religious centre, has always hosted the institutional structures of the Ala community, including the town hall, Church of San Giovanni, and Palazzo Malfatti (now Azzolini). Continuing on towards via Roma are Palazzo Zanderighi, now the municipal library; while the Gioppa fountain and the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta can reached from Villalta.
Trentino Film Commission
Via Giovanni Zanella 10/2 — 38122 Trento
Phone: +39 0461 49 3501/3508
Fax: +39 0461 495460
Email: filmcommission@provincia.tn.it
