The sculptures by Marco Martalar, world-renowned wood artist, tell a story of rebirth and connection with nature. With the remains of trees devastated by the 2018 storm Vaia, Martalar has created unique and evocative works of art, scattered among the forests and mountains of Trentino and Veneto. Each of these sculptures is a tribute to nature and a message of hope, memory and regeneration.
Pack your backpack and discover with us some of his most fascinating works, among enchanted woods and breathtaking views!
1. The Vaia Dragon of Lavarone
A giant of wood that tells a story of resilience
Among all the sculptures, the Vaia Regeneration Dragon is without doubt the most iconic. With its 16 meters in length, 7 meters in height and a weight of 6 tons of charred wood, it is the largest wooden dragon sculpture in the world.
This majestic work is a symbol of resilience: its original version, known as “Dragon Winged by Magrè“, was destroyed by fire in 2023, but it rose again in 2024 from its ashes, even more impressive and fascinating.
The Dragon’s Path is a family-friendly loop trail that can also be ridden by e-bike. In winter it turns into a magical snowshoe route! You start from the Palù Parking, following the signs for Magrè Tablat. After admiring the Dragon, you can continue the path downhill to the lake of Lavarone, where you can enjoy a refreshing break.
Info: google maps
2. The Lupa del Lagorai in Vetriolo Terme
The silent guardian of Valsugana
Made from around 2,000 recovered pieces of wood, the Lupa del Lagorai embodies the strength and elegance of one of the most emblematic animals of the alpine ecosystem. Located at 1,600 meters above sea level, it offers a spectacular view of the Valsugana and the lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo.
The route starts from Vetriolo Terme and winds along paved roads and dirt paths, passing through the panoramic Pian della Casara. Continuing, you reach the Cima Panarotta, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view, before returning to the starting point.
Info: google maps
3.The Vaia Eagle of Marcesina
The raptor that dominates the Valsugana
With its 7 meters high and 5 meters long, the Vaia Eagle is the largest wooden sculpture in Europe. Located in Monte Cucco, in the Bassa Valsugana, it represents the freedom and power of the majestic alpine raptor.
The easiest way to reach it starts from the Valmaron Refuge, crosses the Marcesina Refuge and the Barricata Refuge, and culminates in less than 5 minutes walk from the panoramic point where the opera is located.
Info: google maps
4.The Pradel Bear in Molveno
A giant of wood in the Brenta Dolomites
Immersed in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites, the sculpture of the Pradel Bear celebrates the bond between man and the brown bear, symbol of alpine fauna. With its 6 meters high and 8 meters long, it is one of the most impressive works of Martalar.
It is located near the Montanara Refuge, accessible by the La Panoramica cable car and the Pradel – Palon di Tovre chairlift. For those who love trekking, the scenic trail from Pradel to Montanara is a wonderful alternative, with breathtaking views along the way.
Info: google maps
5.The Griffon Vaia of the Tesinoù
Union between Trentino and Veneto
Symbol of the union between Trentino and Veneto, the Griffon Vaia is a mythological figure that merges the Trentino eagle and the Venetian winged lion. Located on the border of the two regions, the sculpture dominates the basin of Tesino and offers an extraordinary view of Cima d’Asta.
To reach it, you can park in Celado, choosing between two starting points: the Ai Larici Restaurant or the Al Cacciatore Restaurant. For the more adventurous, the route starts from Castel Tesino, where in Piazza San Giorgio there are indications for a path of 3.4 km, which can be walked in about an hour and a half.
Info: google maps
6.The Strembo Haflinger
The tribute to the horse symbol of Val Rendena
Celebrating the legendary Haflinger horse, symbol of Val Rendena agriculture, the Vaia Horse is one of the most impressive sculptures in Martalar. High 7 meters and made with larch wood, it is the largest wooden horse in Europe.
This work is located in the Parco Giorgio Ducoli in Strembo, in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, and is easily accessible on foot or by bike from the cycle path of Val Rendena. Alternatively, if you start on foot or by e-bike from Pinzolo, you can take the Health Trail that through the woods allows you to reach Caderzone Terme, and from there, in a few minutes reach the sculpture.
Info: google map
7. The Custodian on the Charterhouse Island
From the mountains to the sea, the call of the lagoon
In Venice, on the Certosa Island, Martalar has created “The Custodian”, a suggestive female figure 3 meters high, created with branches and bark waste recovered from the reclamation of the island and ropes of ferries. A work that invites reflection on the protection of the environment.
To visit it, take the vaporetto line 4.1 from Venezia Santa Lucia station and get off at Certosa stop. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
Info: google maps
A journey between art and nature
The Vaia sculpture trails are not just an artistic itinerary, but an emotional experience that celebrates nature’s resilience and Marco Martalar’s talent. These works transform the signs of destruction into symbols of hope and rebirth, inviting us to rediscover the deep bond between man and environment. Ready to go on this adventure between art and nature?
