Cornedo all’Isarco: Among castles, stars, and legends in the heart of South Tyrol
On a sun-kissed slope, where the Isarco, Ega, and Rio Bria rivers meet, lies Cornedo all’Isarco — a hidden corner of South Tyrol waiting to be explored. This municipality stretches between 283 and 1,680 meters above sea level and includes charming hamlets such as Prato all’Isarco, Cardano, Collepietra, and San Valentino in Campo.
Cornedo takes its name from the scenic Cornedo Castle, which dominates the village from a rocky spur and holds centuries of history. Open to visitors on request from April to October, the castle offers breathtaking views and a plunge into the Middle Ages.
Cardano and Prato all’Isarco: Sports, art, and river tales
Just a stone’s throw from Bolzano, Cardano is the perfect starting point for bike excursions along the Isarco Valley cycle path — a particularly creative stretch thanks to the installations of the KIMM protected workshop: 12 sculptures, 80 flags, murals, and columns celebrating the beauty of inclusiveness and art.
Prato all’Isarco, on the other hand, has a curious past: once called “Plamau” from Plumme, meaning wooden raft, it used to be a departure point for timber rafts heading downstream. The village, a crossroads between Val d’Ega and the Alpe di Siusi, still preserves traces of this fluvial heritage.
In 1967, the Church of Saint Sebastian was demolished to make way for the Brenner motorway. The church now stands inside the old inn “Zumkalten Keller.”
Collepietra: Trails among earth pyramids and stories of the past
Collepietra, at 820 meters of altitude, is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. From here begins the evocative Legend Trail, which leads you to the famous earth pyramids: natural pinnacles carved by erosion, each topped with a boulder precariously balanced on its peak.
In the heart of the village stands a local history museum filled with objects from rural life and historical exhibits that tell the story of Tyrolean life — from wars to ancient crafts.
San Valentino in Campo: The village of the stars
At 1,117 meters above sea level, San Valentino in Campo is a gem nestled among the forests of Val d’Ega. The first official records mentioning the village date back to 1141, but the discovery of a Roman votive stone dedicated to the god Saturn reveals even older origins.
The Parish Church, dedicated to Saint Valentine, most likely dates back to the 14th century. In 1952, renovation work began, and artist Joseph Widmoser beautifully decorated the stunning stained-glass windows. The 42-meter-high bell tower was later covered with wooden shingles in 1995.
Besides its splendid Parish Church, the village is famous for the Max Valier Astronomical Observatory, located slightly higher up at 1,350 meters. Inaugurated in 2002, this observatory is dedicated to the renowned astronomer born in Bolzano in 1895.
Here, you can observe the stars both by day and night, thanks to a modern telescope, a conference hall for educational events, and a striking 2,000-kg marble sundial. Guided tours are available every Thursday, all year round (by reservation).
A holiday among nature, history, and stars
Cornedo all’Isarco — a blend of ancient stories, breathtaking landscapes, and a night sky that will take your breath away. Whether you wish to wander along trails dotted with earth pyramids, cycle along creative paths, explore hilltop castles, or gaze at the stars at the Max Valier Observatory, this corner of South Tyrol will win your heart.
Each hamlet has its own identity and offers unique experiences: from the riverwood legend of Prato all’Isarco to the nocturnal magic of San Valentino in Campo. Choose Cornedo all’Isarco for your next holiday and let yourself be enchanted by a land where culture intertwines with nature… and the universe.
