The project of painting the village walls began in 1988 to combat the trend of rural depopulation and preserve local traditions.
The village is home to a permanent exhibition of murals that spans almost every facade, making it one of the most concentrated outdoor art collections in Italy.
Many of the murals are accompanied by poetic verses written in the local dialect to provide context for the imagery.
The artistic initiative was founded and curated by the artist Bepi Debertolis.
The village maintains an active community life despite its small size, integrating its residential history with its status as an art destination.
Guardia, known as the 'Paese Dipinto' or Painted Village, is a mountain settlement near Folgaria renowned for its tradition of mural art. Artists from across Italy have decorated the exterior walls of the village's stone houses with frescoes since the late 1980s. The open-air gallery features over 100 murals depicting themes of local folklore, agrarian life, and traditional mountain occupations. The village is situated on a plateau in the Trentino region, characterized by its traditional architecture and preserved cultural identity. Walking through the narrow streets allows visitors to view the collection of artwork at their own pace. The site serves as both a residential area and a cultural exhibition space. Its location offers panoramic views of the surrounding Astico Valley and the Dolomites. The preservation of these murals is ongoing, with local initiatives ensuring the maintenance of the outdoor displays.
The main square and the central narrow alleyways where the highest concentration of restored murals are found.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the village features steep, uneven cobblestone paths.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the murals located on tight, narrow street corners.
Allow time to visit the small local art shop or tavern to support the local economy.
Attempting to visit during winter snowstorms as the high-altitude access roads can be treacherous.
Respect that the village is a private residential area; do not enter private courtyards or take photos through windows.
