A German-speaking village at the foot of the Sciliar, with the tallest bell tower in the area and living farming traditions.
A short history
Castelrotto, Kastelruth in German, sits at 1,060 metres in a sunny basin at the foot of the Sciliar. It is a German-speaking village, the main historic centre of the plateau, with painted houses, arcades and a bell tower you can see from far away.
The bell tower is the symbol of the village. Over 80 metres tall, it rises above the central square next to the parish church. The tower survived a fire that destroyed the old church in the nineteenth century, later rebuilt. The sound of its bells still marks the rhythm of the village.
Castelrotto holds tight to its traditions. Religious processions, parades in traditional dress and farming festivals fill the calendar. The village is also tied to South Tyrolean folk music, with choirs and folk groups known across the region.
What to see
- The Sciliar, the landmark mountain that towers over the village with its Denti di Terrarossa.
- The Alpe di Siusi loop, the trail through the meadows and mountain huts of the great plateau above the village.
- The central square with the bell tower over 80 metres tall, the frescoed houses and the parish church, heart of the historic centre.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in Castelrotto?
The central square with the bell tower over 80 metres tall, the frescoed houses and the parish church. From the village you can head up to the Sciliar and the Alpe di Siusi, with the meadows and huts of the great plateau.
Why is Castelrotto famous?
For its well-kept village at the foot of the Sciliar, the bell tower that dominates the square and its farming and musical traditions. It is the main historic centre of the Alpe di Siusi plateau.