Madonna di Campiglio: the origins of the name, a bit of history and culture
In this post we want to answer some questions and curiosities that you often ask us about our resort, the beautiful Madonna di Campiglio.
Where is Madonna di Campiglio located
Madonna di Campiglio is located at an altitude of 1,550 meters at the top of Val Rendena and in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. The village of Madonna di Campiglio is actually a hamlet of the municipalities of Pinzolo and Tre Ville, in the Province of Trento, although over time it has become one of the most renowned ski resorts in the Alps, worthy of the nickname "Pearl of the Dolomites".
Why is it called Madonna di Campiglio?
The name "Madonna" seems to originate from an ancient text from 1222 by the monk Oprando, which referred to the hospital where he worked, that of the "most glorious Mother of God Mary of Ambino".
The second part of the name "di Campiglio" is thought to mean "small field/plain". In fact, Madonna di Campiglio presents itself as a flat open space for those climbing up from one of the neighboring valleys: Val Rendena and Val di Sole.
At a later stage, a chapel dedicated to Santa Maria di Campiglio was built, which then became "Madonna di Campiglio".
A bit of history…
Following the visit of some foreign hikers, Madonna di Campiglio began to make a name for itself, until it became one of the most beloved holiday destinations of the Habsburg Empire. In 1868, a certain Giambattista Righi from Strembo built the first hotel, in addition to undertaking at his own expense the construction of a connecting road between Val Rendena and Campiglio, so as to make it accessible by carriage.
At the end of the nineteenth century, Princess Sissi and Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, spent their time here with their entire retinue of nobles and ladies-in-waiting. Hunting trips, concerts, and sumptuous balls took place, traces of which still remain today in the annual celebrations of the "Habsburg Carnival" in the Hofer hall, magnificently frescoed with scenes of local history. Some paths are also dedicated to them, the ones where they used to walk: like the Emperor's and Empress's Path, for example.
The transition to the glories of the 90s is quite short: already at the end of the 1940s, the first ski lifts began to be built, cable cars arrived and with them the international World Cup races, such as the 3-Tre, still today one of the most important events on the world alpine skiing scene.
What to see in Madonna di Campiglio and surroundings
If we put aside for a moment the main reason that brings thousands of national and international guests to Madonna di Campiglio, namely alpine skiing and the vast network of slopes and ski lifts, we can focus on the historical beauties and the attractions of the surroundings.
If you are in Val Rendena, you cannot miss a visit to the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy of Rango and San Lorenzo in Banale, small rural villages of Trentino that have preserved their traditional ancient architecture: from the barrel vaults to the balconies covered with corn cobs, you will feel like you are returning to medieval atmospheres.
On rainy days, you can find some relaxation at the Val Rendena Thermal Baths – Fonte S.Antonio in Caderzone Terme, or you can visit the beautiful churches frescoed by the Baschenis in Spiazzo, Pinzolo, and Carisolo. These are extremely colorful medieval works, not to be missed if you love art.
Many small local museums in Val Rendena will bring you closer to the local culture. Near Caderzone, it is worth visiting the Malga Museum housed in the Lodron-Bertelli Palace: it was created to remember the mountain identity and its traditions.
The Ski Museum in Darè tells the origins of the most loved mountain sport of all time, while the White War Museum in Spiazzo takes us back to the times of the Great War fought on the Adamello front.
Further afield, you can visit the most famous museums and castles such as the Muse in Trento, the Buonconsiglio Castle (see What to see in Trento), the Stenico castle, and Castel Thun.
From a naturalistic point of view, try taking a look at the experiences section: we have given ample space to insights into the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the Vallesinella Waterfalls, the 5 Lakes Tour, Val Genova, and many walking excursions among the mountain refuges.
