The Museums of Aldino: A journey through art, geology, and local traditions

The municipality of Aldino, nestled in the heart of South Tyrol, preserves a rich historical and natural heritage told through its three museums. The Civic Museum, Geological Museum, and Mill Museum offer a fascinating overview of religious traditions, the geological history of the Dolomites, and daily life in the past.

Civic Museum: Sacred art and religious traditions

Founded in 1990, the Civic Museum of Aldino houses a precious collection of sacred artworks from the Baroque and Rococo periods, bearing witness to the community’s deep religious devotion. Among the most remarkable pieces is a Baroque chalice crafted in Augsburg in 1750.

In addition to liturgical objects, the museum also displays delicate filigree works from Bolzano, portraits of historical figures from Aldino, wood carvings, and ancient coins from private collections.

Geological Museum of Redagno: The story of the Dolomites within a canyon

Since 2004, the Geological Museum of Redagno has been part of Aldino’s museum network. Located in Casa Rosegger, next to the church of Redagno di Sopra, it offers an immersive journey into Earth’s history, exploring rocks, fossils, and prehistoric reptile footprints found in the Rio delle Foglie Gorge (Bletterbach), the largest canyon in South Tyrol.

For those wishing to learn more, the museum organizes guided tours of the Bletterbach, allowing visitors to observe up close the impressive rock layers that tell millions of years of geological evolution and reveal the secrets behind the formation of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mill Museum: A step back in time through work and self-sufficiency

The third museum of the association is the Mill Museum, which recounts daily life and the self-sufficiency of Aldino’s community in past centuries. Until the mid-20th century, the village could only be reached via a dangerous mule track, making self-reliance essential for its inhabitants. The mills along the Thal Stream were crucial for the community, used to grind grains and ensure food supplies.

With the construction of the new road, the mills were gradually abandoned. However, thanks to the Pro Museums Association of Aldino, they have been restored and reopened to visitors. Today, the Mill Museum allows visitors to relive the daily life of the past and discover the ingenuity and resilience of local people.

A unique experience of history, nature, and tradition

The museums of Aldino offer a fascinating journey through the centuries — from the geological roots of the Dolomites to the religious and artisanal traditions of the community. Visiting these places means rediscovering a world made of faith, work, and nature, where every object and landscape tells a story worth listening to.

For more information, visit the official website of the Museum Aldein.