The earliest defensive structures date back to the period between the 13th and 12th centuries BC: these are structures with multiple layers of palisades, wooden gabions (filled with rocky debris and earth), and an embankment (called “C”) to defend small residential and artisanal constructions (metalworking, ceramic manufacturing, etc.). This is the hillfort of the Bronze Age which will be destroyed by a great fire likely caused by military action.
Between the 9th and 8th centuries BC, the hillfort of Noàl is reconstructed even more robustly by raising the embankment to monumental dimensions visible from afar. To counteract the push of the embankment inward, buttresses are constructed against which there are small residential and artisanal buildings. In the 5th-4th centuries BC (presence of the ancient Veneti), the embankment is further raised. Also in the Iron Age, an extensive series of fires caused by military events will lead to its destruction.
The first high fortified wooden structure of historical age (a tower) is believed to date back to the Goths (6th century). However, it is later that the first significant defensive work composed of a stone tower bound with mortar and an embankment made of palisades and cobbles is dated. This is the first complex to be defined as a “castle” (called Mirabèi, Mirabello). It consisted of a tower, a fortified enclosure, and residential and artisanal buildings arranged around a rainwater basin (pool). Its definitive destruction, carried out by the combined militias of Belluno and Feltre led by Bishop Gerardo de Taccoli, occurs in 1196 during the wars where he opposed the Municipality of Treviso which had occupied it.
The archaeological path. To relive the history of Noàl, a didactic path equipped with panels illustrating the history of the site, the research, the findings, and signaling the layers from the different eras of the hillfort/castle winds through the park.
At the top of the tower, built to a height similar to that of the ancient one and to protect its remains, with a panoramic view of 360° over the valley and the peaks of the Park of the Belluno Dolomites, there is a classroom equipped with cases that house perfect replicas of the artifacts found, informative panels, and panoramic panels to survey and identify the ancient network of castles, prehistoric settlements, watchtowers, the main peaks of the surrounding mountains, the towns, the Piave and the Cordevole.
Excursions (comfortable footwear is recommended).
1) In Landris, about 1 km north of Sedico, when the Agordino regional road begins to ascend towards Roe Alte, a large sign marks the start of the path that in about half an hour of walking, along a path and side road, leads to the park of Noàl.
2) Immediately north of Sedico, before the roundabout, a road sign indicates the beginning of Via Mirabèi and the path to the park of Noàl, which can be reached in about twenty minutes. By combining the two paths, it is possible to take an interesting loop.
