Renon
Welcome to Renon: a tour of its geography, history, and places of interest
Renon, also known as Ritten in German and Renon in Ladin, is a municipality located in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige, with a population of approximately 7,989 inhabitants. This town is situated on the plateau bearing the same name, northeast of Bolzano. In this article, we will take a journey through the geography, history, and places of interest in Renon.
Physical geography
Renon is bounded on the east by the Isarco Valley and on the west by the Sarentino with the Talvera stream. Its plateau is characterized by a Dolomite morphology with two thousand meters of prominence above the Adige Valley. Renon can be easily reached by cable car from Bolzano or by car.
Origin of the name
The name Renon derives from the Vulgar Latin *"retinone", of probable pre-Roman origin. The toponym was attested as "Ritano" in 871-875, as "Ritena" in 1027, as "Ritine" in 1160, and as "Rithen" in 1179. Its location on the road made it an intermediate stop on the Brenner Pass, which connects Germany to Italy.
History
Renon has a rich history dating back to the central centuries of the Middle Ages. In the early 1200s, a center of the Teutonic Order was founded in Renon. The intermediate stop of Renon was very important because the narrowness of the Isarco Valley was impractical until the early 14th century. The so-called "Kaiserweg" wound through Colma (Kollmann), passing through Longomoso (Lengmoos) and descending towards Rencio, a district of Bolzano. Frederick Barbarossa traveled it in 1179 and granted an important market privilege to Lengenstaine in monte Rithen (Longostagno, Lengstein). The grazing rights on the neighboring Alpe di Villandro were contested for many centuries between the communities of Renon and Villandro.
Symbols
The lords of Zwingenstein, who administered the village from Castle Zwingenstein until 1531, are the reason for Renon's coat of arms. The coat of arms was granted by decree of the president of the Autonomous Province in 1967.
Monuments and places of interest
Civil and military architecture
The town of Renon reserves numerous monuments of great historical relevance for visitors. Castle Roncolo (Schloss Runkelstein), already known in 1237 as Runchenstayn, is situated on a rock overlooking the Talvera stream at the beginning of the Sarentino Valley. Castle Pietra (Renon), or Castelpietra (Burg Stein am Ritten), is located in the village of Collalbo (Siffiano). Castle Zwingenstein (Burg Zwingenstein) is only ruins and is located in the village of Auna di Sotto (Unterinn), while Castle Novale, also known as Castle Ried (Schloss Ried), is located at the end of Longomoso village.
Religious architecture
Renon also boasts many churches in its area. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located in the village of Longomoso and that of Santa Ottilia in the village of Longostagno. The Church of San Pietro Apostolo is situated in the village of Vanga. The Church of San Giuseppe embraces the village of Campodazzo, while the Church of San Leonardo is located in the village of Auna di Sopra.
Natural areas
Renon can boast a natural area of great interest with the Renon earth pyramids. These are geological formations made of limestone and marls, which have given rise to particular structures of great beauty, such as the "pyramids of Segonzano". Soprabolzano and Longostagno are the two best places to visit these incredible natural attractions.
Conclusions
In summary, Renon is a charming tourist destination located in Trentino-Alto Adige. From the breathtaking panorama to the mighty towers of its castles, to the churches and natural areas, Renon offers visitors an unforgettable experience. It is easy to reach this secluded place to enjoy a vacation of well-being and tranquility. Thanks to its history, its architectural beauties, and its breathtaking landscapes, it is certainly not a place that leaves anyone indifferent.
