San Martino di Castrozza
Welcome to San Martino di Castrozza: a hidden gem in the Dolomites!
The town of San Martino di Castrozza is nestled among the beautiful mountains of the Dolomites, in the region of Trentino Alto-Adige. Despite its beauty, it is still a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a less touristy and more authentic destination. In this tourist guide, we take you on a journey to discover San Martino di Castrozza, telling you everything you need to know about its geography, history, monuments, and places of interest.
Physical Geography
Territory
San Martino di Castrozza is surrounded by the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park. In this splendid valley, you can admire numerous Dolomite peaks, including the large group of the Pale di San Martino with Cimon della Pala, Vezzana, Rosetta, Sass Maor, Val di Roda, and Cima della Madonna. On the other side, you can admire the gentle relief of Cavallazza and the porphyry peaks of Colbricon and Colbricon piccolo.
History
San Martino di Castrozza has a very ancient history. Its origin dates back to the hospice of Saints Martino and Giuliano, built to accommodate travelers who crossed the Rolle Pass before reaching the Val di Fiemme and Primiero. Today, only the church of San Martino, with its Romanesque bell tower remains of the ancient hospice. The real birth of San Martino di Castrozza as a tourist resort took place in 1873, with the construction of the first alpine hotel, proposed by Irish mountaineer John Ball. In the first decade of the 20th century, the resort was already well-known among the noble families of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the First World War, the resort underwent rapid expansion, becoming one of the most famous tourist destinations in northern Italy.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
The church of Saints Martino and Giuliano, the parish church of San Martino di Castrozza, is one of the main monuments of the town. This church dates back to the 14th century and was built in Gothic style. Inside the church, you can admire numerous frescoes.
Culture
Literature
San Martino di Castrozza has been a source of inspiration for many writers, including the famous Austrian writer Arthur Schnitzler, author of the short novel "Fräulein Else", who chose this town as the setting for his writings.
San Martino di Castrozza is a beautiful tourist destination, perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Dolomite mountains without the chaos of more well-known tourist destinations. With its historic church, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking landscapes, San Martino di Castrozza is the ideal choice for a relaxing holiday. Come and visit us and discover all the wonders of this beautiful town!
