Castelrotto
Castelrotto: A Welcome to the Dolomites
Welcome to Castelrotto, an Italian municipality located in the autonomous province of Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige, at the foot of the Dolomites. With its 6,868 inhabitants, Castelrotto is the most populous locality in the Dolomites and the second largest municipality in the entire Italian Alpine arc. Its territory extends to the Sciliar Nature Park, at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi, which has made possible the development of a thriving tourism, both in summer and winter. In this guide, we will talk about the origins of the name Castelrotto, its history, and what it has to offer today.
Origins of the Name
The name Castelrotto dates back to the medieval period. It first appears in the documentation of 982-987 as ''Castelruptum'' and in 1173 as ''Castilrut,'' meaning "ruined castle." In 1490, Castelrotto is called in a document ''dorff zu Castellrutt,'' or "rural village."
History
The origins of Castelrotto date back to the medieval period. Traces of Castelvecchio in Siusi show the presence of a fortified village. In the thirteenth century, the area passed into the possession of Count Mainardo II of Tyrol-Gorizia and then to the lords of Castelrotto. In 1348, the castle became the property of Duke Konrad Teck, who was also captain of the Adige department. In the fifteenth century, the castle and the town came into the possession of the Hauenstein family, a period during which the first large stable farms were established in the area.
Later, the Kraus family also became owners of Castelrotto. Michael Kraus, a Hungarian nobleman who had married a woman from the area, stood out for his wealth and help to the poor of Castelrotto. He created the custom of distributing a loaf of bread and a bag of salt to each poor person in the community in October, which has been continued in the following centuries. He was buried in the chapel of the tower, where his tomb still remains today. In 1607, his nephew Jakob Kraus was ennobled by Emperor Rudolf II of Habsburg and largely demolished the ancient castle, creating a chapel for the village and a natural park with seven small chapels and three large crucifixes that represent some stages of the Via Crucis.
Until 1924, Castelrotto had its own district court, then transferred to Chiusa (Italy).
What to Offer
Today, Castelrotto attracts many visitors in all seasons. Its proximity to the Alpe di Siusi, the largest in Central Europe, offers many hiking opportunities in both summer and winter. Additionally, the area attracts many families thanks to the numerous children's activities like the Laranza playground and the children's farm.
For skiing enthusiasts, the Alpe di Siusi offers 60 km of well-prepared slopes with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Furthermore, the area near Castelrotto offers many opportunities for cross-country skiing and ski mountaineering. The tradition of biathlon is very popular in the region, and many races are also held in Castelrotto.
Castelrotto is also an excellent starting point for visiting many cultural attractions in the region, such as the Beekeeping Museum, the Geological Museum of the Dolomites, and the Tagusa Agricultural Museum.
Finally, the village atmosphere is typically alpine and welcoming. Castelrotto organizes many events throughout the year, including the Christmas market, a very popular tradition internationally.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Castelrotto is an extraordinary market municipality located at the foot of the Dolomites, with a rich history and culture. Its natural landscape, the Alpe di Siusi, offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, and the surrounding area is rich in cultural attractions. Its alpine and welcoming atmosphere immediately makes visitors feel at home. If you are planning a holiday in the Dolomites, Castelrotto is definitely a place worth visiting.
