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Castel Badia is on a hill in the Dolomites. When you arrive, sea views and ancient stone walls will welcome you. The atmosphere will leave you breathless. This castle features a rich history and simple elegance. It promises a romantic stay closely tied to its surroundings. Castel Badia's location and sense of history make it a unique experience.

History

Castel Badia is a Benedictine monastery with private gardens founded in the 11th century. It lay in ruins for two centuries before a recent restoration. In the early 15th century, the original abbesses had a high degree of autonomy. One even went against the bishopric. The reconstructed castle has 28 rooms, each with its own layout and tone. Exposed stonework balances with modern furnishings.

The property is also surrounded by several gardens, including one dedicated to medicinal plants. Explore the crypt and remnants of an old chapel. Moreover, the castle is just five minutes from Plan de Corones. It offers views of San Lorenzo di Sebato and the valley.

The abbesses were notable figures. They received an education and became self-reliant. Verena von Steinuben stands out among them for her courage and vision. She fought for her convent's autonomy in the fifteenth century. At this time, she led her community through important changes. For more than 700 years, the castle protected knowledge and spirituality. It not only shaped the walls of its castle but also the valley.

After the dissolution of the monastery in 1785, only one wing remained. This wing is now used for practical reasons and has slowly lost its original grandeur. But the memories in these stones never vanished. In the twentieth century, locals took on the renovation of Sonnenburg. Their goal was to turn it into a welcoming oasis filled with memories. Castel Badia now enters a brand-new chapter. It honors the past while also embracing its future.

Location

Castel Badia sits on a hill in the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy. It is just a few minutes from Brunico or San Lorenzo di Sebato. A pristine mountain landscape also surrounds this castle. The castle's walls and panoramic views create a peaceful oasis. In this space, Italian and Austrian cultures blend into a harmonious unity.

Rooms

The castle has 29 guest rooms. These include junior suites, suites, and a chalet. The castle's architecture and its connection to the surrounding landscapes shape every accommodation. The interiors receive ample natural light. You can also see the garden, valley, or inner courtyard from them.

Moreover, they select materials with great care. Natural fabrics, wood, stone, and other materials blend with modern design. This mix creates refined spaces that feel connected to nature. The details also reflect the building's historical layers.

Some rooms also have bathrooms designed as private refuges. The bathtubs, saunas, and hammams turn daily rituals into moments of relaxation. Additionally, the three-floored chalet is just steps from the main castle building. Lush greenery surrounds it, offering a peaceful nature retreat.

Dining

Castel Badia views food as a way to express care and connect. Alberto Toe is the chef who guides this culinary vision. His philosophy views cooking as a cultural and ethical obligation. The chef's approach is also deeply rooted in his childhood flavors. He fine-tuned these through experiences in top kitchens across Europe.

The castle offers two culinary experiences. Stube Badia is at the heart of it. It is a historic series of rooms that offers a relaxed and friendly dining experience. The rhythm of the mountains is also celebrated here, with daily local and Italian cuisine. The carved ceilings, the restored plaster, and the historic tiled stove add a warm, intimate touch to this room.

The restaurant will later offer a one-of-a-kind experience. It will have an open fireplace and a chef's dining table. This space reinterprets mountain roots through a modern lens. Memory and modernity also fuse through ancestral broths and slow fermentations. There are also ingredients from the wild. Here, dining is an adventure built on respect for the land and its rhythms.

Wellness

Balance is the key to well-being in Castel Badia. The spa resides within stone walls that once protected monastic life. It preserves herbal medicine traditions and the healing traits of the mountain setting. They have also converted former monastic cells into peaceful treatment rooms. They are accessible by an underground Romanesque-vaulted passageway.

The water is the main element in saunas and hammams. It also guides heated pools and steam rooms. The pools also have views of the Dolomites, enhancing your experience. Moreover, in the quieter areas, there is space for reflection and rest.

Castel Badia also believes that well-being comes from listening. This is all about reconnecting with nature and respecting its rhythms. It's also about embracing a healthy balance of activity and relaxation. Here, the monastic principle "ora et labora" receives a new meaning." It offers an approach that cares for both the mind and body.

Area & Activities

The Dolomites that surround this castle offer more than dramatic scenery. It is a cultural landscape shaped by daily life, culture, traditions, and language.

Moreover, German, Ladin, and Italian influences all mix in the area. This blend adds to its unique identity. Nearby villages have also kept centuries-old crafts alive. Mountain huts also show a strong bond with the land.

Brunico, next to the castle, is a great example of how modernity meets heritage. The vibe of historic cafés, museums, artisan shops, and workshops is lively yet solid.

Here, nature also unfolds slowly. The forests, lakes, and landscapes are legally protected. They call for our respectful and careful observation. Besides, winter is a time for skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful alpine adventures. Summer hiking, mountain biking, and cycling trails also offer new views of the landscape. Castel Badia is a portal to it all.

Takeaway

Castel Badia will stay with you for a long time after you leave its walls. The place's history, its scenery, and slower travel shape the experience here. Every moment is priceless. You could watch the sunset by the ocean, explore hidden spots in the castle, or relax in its quiet solitude. This castle is an ideal place for travelers seeking a connection to the Amalfi Coast.