La Traversata del Trentin

The morning of the event, the quiet shores of Cadrezzate con Osmate transform into a bustling hub of activity. The local organizers, Nobile dei Laghi, have cultivated a community-focused atmosphere that draws swimmers back year after year, many choosing this event as a warm-up for the larger Monate – Italian Open Water Tour held earlier in the season. The event is deeply rooted in the specific geography of the Lake Monate, a body of water shaped by unique hydrological forces; it is primarily fed by underground springs and minor streams like the Rio Freddo, which accounts for its remarkable clarity and consistently high water quality.

The water and its history

As you push off from the shoreline, you enter a protected basin. The strict prohibition of motorboats on this lake is not merely a regulation; it is the fundamental reason for the calm, glass-like conditions that greet swimmers, free from the turbulence often found in larger neighboring lakes. This tranquility allows you to notice the distinct ecological shifts beneath you. The native coregone population has largely been displaced, and you may find yourself swimming alongside non-native species such as largemouth bass, wels catfish, or sunfish, which now dominate this specific environment. As you navigate the perimeter, the visual landscape is defined by the dense, alternating patterns of reed beds and water lilies that provide a natural, living boundary for the course.

Architecture and ancient landmarks

Swimming the 5500m distance offers an extended perspective on the lakeside history. You will pass the grand estate of Villa Solferino, built in 1859 by the Garavaglia family, whose eclectic architecture and expansive park serve as a reminder of the region’s mid-19th-century status. This stretch of the lake is also home to the remains of ancient civilizations, including the Sabbione site, a UNESCO-recognized prehistoric settlement where wooden structures still rest submerged just 50 meters from the current shoreline. While the nearby Traversata del Trentin #2 attracts a slightly different crowd, the primary event here remains a staple for those who appreciate a race defined by its prehistoric archaeology and the preservation of its natural basin. Whether you are competing in the 2000m, the 3500m, or the full 5500m combo, the course keeps you in constant proximity to these submerged fragments of history and the lush, protected banks that give the lake its character.