Kastelruth/Castelrotto is situated at an altitude of 1,060 meters above sea-level, and transitions smoothly to the high-altitude plateau of the Schlern/Sciliar area. The entire village, including its historic center, is nestled like a crescent around the Kalvarienberg (Monte Calvario).
It was once (several centuries ago) the center of the Roman settlement of “Castellum Ruptum.” The name is Latin for “ruptured castle” – the ruins still form the center of the popular Kalvarienberg fairgrounds (site of the famous “Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride”). A few years ago, it was determined that the Romans were not the first settlers in Kastelruth/Castelrotto, but rather were predated by the Celts. It is believed that this was due to the so-called “energies” which prevail here. The entire area is believed to emanate a certain form of energy. This may explain why sorcery and magic play such an important role in the region’s mythology and legends.
The community of Kastelruth/Castelrotto includes 12 districts, including three (the Ladin districts) located in the neighboring Gröden/Gardena Valley. Our town gave its name to a very popular music group. With their folk music, the talented “Kastelruther Spatzen” have helped to spread the fame of our region, its natural beauty, and our local culture.
