Adventure.Water.Power
Spectacle of nature and power generator
In Vilpiano the Rio Meltina becomes an 82 m high waterfall - a natural monument - into the valley, where it then becomes the Vilpiano irrigation channel. This spectacle of nature is accessible all-year round and excites visitors of all ages. In summer in particular, a walk through the woods to the waterfall is a delightful, refreshing experience.
The water was also used by a former steam beer brewery. In 1849 the Jewish Schwarz family founded one of the largest breweries in Southern Tyrol. In 1897 a modern power station with a Pelton turbine was added. This was water powered and generated electricity until the closure of the company in 1986.
In recent years the the turbine was professionally restored and is open to the public.
Today, the building of the brewery houses the South Tyrolian fire academy.