Ciardes
Welcome to Castelbello-Ciardes, a welcoming municipality located in the beautiful Val Venosta just a few kilometers from the vibrant city of Merano. With its 2297 inhabitants, Castelbello-Ciardes is an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and discover the history of this fascinating region.
Physical geography
Castelbello-Ciardes is located at the foot of the Venosta Alps, immersed in a green and flourishing valley where the Adige River flows. In the municipal territory is located the protected area of the Alte Etsch - Colsano biotope, an important nature reserve that houses numerous species of flora and fauna of the area.
Name origins
The name Castelbello derives from the Latin Castellum Bellum, which means "beautiful castle", and refers to the ancient fortification that stood on this territory. Ciardes, instead, has pre-Latin origins and was first named "Sardis" in 1183.
History
The railway accident of April 12, 2010
Castelbello-Ciardes was struck by tragedy in 2010, when a regional train fell into a ravine after being hit by a landslide. The accident caused 9 deaths and 28 injuries, including 7 serious.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Castelbello-Ciardes was adopted in 1969 and represents the insignia of the Hendl counts, owners of the local castle for several centuries.
Monuments and places of interest
If you are passionate about history and architecture, Castelbello-Ciardes is the right place for you. You can visit the splendid Church of San Martino, the Castle of Castelbello, dating back to 1200, and the ruins of the castle of Colsano, a manor built in the thirteenth century by the Montalban. Don't miss the Castel Juval, a fortress from the 1200s that was the summer residence of mountaineer Reinhold Messner.
For nature lovers, the rogge paths are an unmissable attraction. These ancient irrigation channels have been transformed into tourist trails that offer breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Society
The population of Castelbello-Ciardes is mostly German-speaking.
Demographic evolution
The municipality has seen a steady growth in population in recent years, thanks to its mild climate, the beauty of the territory, and its strategic location.
Administration
The management of the municipality of Castelbello-Ciardes is entrusted to a mayor and a municipal council elected by the citizens.
Sports
Castelbello-Ciardes is an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can practice hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and much more.
Notes
The history of Castelbello-Ciardes is rich in interesting events and anecdotes that we invite you to discover during your visit.
Bibliography
If you are passionate about history, we recommend reading "Archäologie und Kunstgeschichte in Kastelbell-Tschars und Umgebung" by Lorenzo Dal Ri et al. or "Die Hofnamen im Landgericht Kastelbell (Vinschgau)" by Richard Staffler. Alternatively, you can browse the "Gemeindebuch Kastelbell-Tschars", published by the municipality in 2020.
Other projects
We invite you to visit our website for more information about the municipality of Castelbello-Ciardes and the activities you can do during your visit.
We hope to welcome you soon to our beautiful municipality and show you all the beauty of the Val Venosta!
