The 'resonant wood' of Paneveggio Forest

The Italian region of Trentino is a land of forests, which cover 56% of the province.

In addition to their value for the environment, the landscape, the local identity, these forests are fundamentally important for purifying the air, for protecting towns and crops, for the mountain economy, for biodiversity and leisure activities.

53 different types of forest and 500 million trees, more than 1000 trees per capita.

The State Forests

In this 'sea of trees', there are nine very special islands: the State Forests of Paneveggio, San Martino di Castrozza, Valzanca, Valsorda, Cadino, Monte San Pietro, Monte Bondone, Scanuppia and Campobrun.

The Provincial Agency for State Forests of the Autonomous Province of Trentino manages these woodlands, which stretch out over more than 11,200 hectares and include woods of exceptional silvicultural, natural and historic value, pastures, streams, glaciers and a number of buildings, including mountain huts, barns, rural houses and traditional mountain dairies, 'malghe'.

Paneveggio State Forests

These natural forests cover 2,793 hectares, and are managed in a traditional way, without neglecting innovations and experimental forestry. The forest is entirely within the Paneveggio/Pale di San Martino Nature Park and it is suitable for recreational, educational and cultural activities as well as for scientific research. The fame of Paneveggio Forest is due to the production, by selecting the best logs of Norway spruce, of a very special kind of wood - the resonant wood.

Resonant wood

Norway spruces (picea abies Karst), which here cover around 86% of the whole wooded area, produce small quantities of resonant wood, suitable for making soundboards for the best stringed instruments and pianos, thanks to a slow and constant growth, to a unique climate and to the right mix of light, heat and humidity.

Since 1700, instrument makers from all over the world have chosen their logs or billets here. Long time with craftsmen's experience and sensitivity, transform this wood into soundboards for prestigious and refined musical instruments, marked by a rare sought-after timber and beauty.

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