If you know well San Martino di Castrozza and the valleys of Primiero and Vanoi, and often return to the shadow of the Pale di San Martino for a regenerating holiday or a few days of relaxation, you have surely noticed the recurring presence of a friendly animal – depicted in many different ways and shapes, yet unmistakable in appearance.
It is the otter, the true symbol of this land.
The most observant visitors will have noticed it on the coats of arms of some of the valley’s municipalities (or former ones): represented by this furry and whiskered mustelid are indeed Canal San Bovo, Imer, Mezzano and Tonadico, the latter now part of the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza. Even those just passing through the area cannot miss the large and majestic steel COR-TEN otter standing proudly on the roundabout at the entrance to Imer in the Primiero valley floor — an eloquent symbol of its great significance.
The answer lies in an ancient legend, passed down from generation to generation — one of the many that enrich the vibrant storytelling tradition of Primiero.
A valley with a legendary history
According to the legend, the basin where the Primiero Valley now lies was once covered by a vast expanse of water, surrounded by the Pale di San Martino and the Vette Feltrine. In that great alpine lake lived many species of fish and a single, solitary otter. One day, tired of her loneliness, the otter patiently decided to dig an opening at the lower end of the basin. When she finally succeeded, the waters poured out in a mighty torrent, carving the Schenèr Gorge — the winding canyon one crosses today to reach Primiero from the Feltre area.
This noble act, which made it possible for humans to settle in the valley, earned the otter the honour of becoming the symbol of the entire territory and of appearing on the coats of arms of its municipalities. Even today, the people of Primiero are deeply fond of this cheerful mammal and lovingly recall the legend that made it famous — even though otters have long since disappeared from the area (and, more generally, from all of Trentino).
For the romantics, the otter lives elsewhere now, happy to have found a mate with whom to share her life. But the people of Primiero — and the many visitors who come here every year in every season — are happy too, in their valley of green meadows, lush forests and majestic mountains, the silent gift of a tireless otter who once went in search of companionship.
