Tires
Welcome to Castelrotto: the most populous market town in the Dolomites
Castelrotto, also known as Kastelruth in German or Ciastel in Ladin, is a municipality in the autonomous province of Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. With a population of 6868 inhabitants, Castelrotto is the most populous market town in the Dolomites and the second most populous in the entire Italian Alpine arc after Renon. Its proximity to the Alpe di Siusi, the Sciliar Nature Park, and the development of tourism have made Castelrotto a thriving destination in both summer and winter.
The origin of the name: from "ruined castle" to rural village
The toponym Castelrotto first appears in 982-987 as Castelruptum and in 1173 as Castilrut, with the meaning of "ruined castle." In 1490, Castelrotto is referred to in a document as dorff zu Castellrutt, meaning a rural village.
The history of Castelrotto: from the square tower of Castelvecchio to Michael Kraus' charitable works
The traces of Castelvecchio in Castelrotto date back to the medieval period. In the 13th century, the area was purchased by Count Meinhard II of Tyrol-Gorizia and later by the Lords of Castelrotto. In 1348, the castle became the property of Duke Konrad Teck, who was also the captain of the Adige department. In the 15th century, the castle and the village came into the possession of the Hauenstein family, during which time the first large stable farms were established in the area.
Shortly thereafter, the property was acquired by the Kraus family, a Hungarian noble family who had come to the area for marriage. Michael Kraus became famous for the wealth accumulated from his fiefs and for the charitable works he extended to the poor of Castelrotto before his death, establishing the custom to be continued in the centuries to come in October with the distribution of bread and salt to every poor person in the community. He was buried in the chapel of the tower, where his tomb still stands today. His nephew, Jakob Kraus, was ennobled by Emperor Rudolf II of Habsburg on June 2, 1607, and largely demolished the ancient castle. Instead, a chapel was created for the village dedicated to St. Anthony, and Georg Kraus, his son, created a natural park in 1675 with seven small chapels and three large crucifixes that depict stages of the Via Crucis.
The transformation of Castelrotto into an important tourist center
The Sciliar Nature Park and the Alpe di Siusi in the vicinity of Castelrotto have allowed the town to become a flourishing tourist destination both in summer and winter, offering various activities for families, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The Alpe di Siusi is the largest plateau in Europe, with an area of 57 km², offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps. Castelrotto also has an important cultural heritage, such as the Open-Air Museum of Sciliar Farmers and the tower of the Church of St. Anthony, where many art treasures have been found.
Conclusion
Castelrotto is the most populous market town in the Dolomites and one of the most populous municipalities in the entire Italian Alpine arc. Its history is still reflected today in the important cultural heritage visible in its tourist attractions. The proximity to the Alpe di Siusi and the Sciliar Nature Park make Castelrotto an ideal destination for families, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers. If you are looking for a destination for a vacation immersed in the traditions and beauty of the Dolomites, Castelrotto is the right choice for you!
