Cengles
Cengles: A Story of Apples, Apricots, and Mountains
Cengles, also known as Tschengls in German, is a hamlet in the municipality of Lasa, located in Val Venosta, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. This locality of about 500 inhabitants is famous mainly for its production of apples and apricots, but also for its location at the foot of the Parete Cengles, inside the Stelvio National Park. In this article we will explore the origins of the name, the history of the village, and its places of interest.
Origins of the Name
The origin of the name Cengles is still uncertain. According to one theory, the term could derive from the Latin word "scandula", which means "shingle" or "roof covering". This product was in fact produced in the city. Another theory suggests that the name derives from the Latin term "masi cengiles", which means "censuari". This is because part of the harvest was often given to the landowner of the land cultivated by the farmers.
History
The first attestations of the inhabited area date back to 1149, when the village was called "Sengilis". The official name Tschengls was introduced only in 1910. During World War II, Cengles was the scene of the "Lasa massacre". In 1945, the Wehrmacht carried out a reprisal against an attempted theft of ammunition by Italian workers. Nine people were shot by German soldiers.
In the 1990s, the Cengles powder depot, which was under the control of the Druso barracks in Silandro, was dismantled and partly demolished. Only the old guardhouse remained standing until 2010, when it was finally dismantled.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
The Church of the Nativity of Mary is the parish church of Cengles and dates back to the late 15th century. The church also houses a side chapel. Another interesting church is that of St. Ottilia, with origins dating back to the 17th century.
Military Architecture
Cengles has two imposing buildings: the Castelletto di Cengles and the Castello di Cengles. The Castelletto, located near the center of the village, was erected around the 13th century to protect the area from possible attacks. The Castle, on the other hand, dates back to the 15th century and is located on a hill above the Castelletto. Today it is a private property, but its tower is still visible from the road.
Conclusions
Cengles is a small but fascinating village. Thanks to its position in the valley, it has become a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the town preserves its history through monuments, churches, and castles. If you visit this area, don't miss the opportunity to explore the treasures that Cengles has to offer.
