Monte Calvario (Kofel)

The wooded Kofel hill northwest of Castelrotto holds the castle ruins that gave the town its name, a rare double chapel, seven chapels along a Way of the Cross, and views across the Schlern massif.

Why it matters

The ruined castle on the Kofel, called Castellum Ruptum in Latin and first cited in the tenth century, gave Castelrotto its name. Around the remains are seven chapels of a calvary, with views over the Schlern massif. The hill also hosts the opening tournament of the Oswald von Wolkenstein ride.

What to notice

A rare double chapel is incorporated into the massive wall of the old tower. The castle remains are linked to the lords of Castelruth; the surviving fortress fabric is conserved in the chapel of St Anthony. Seven chapels with large carved wooden figures line the Way of the Cross. The wooded hill has porphyry outcrops and views over the village to the Schlern and Santner massifs. A recreational park lies beside it.

Context and history

Ceramic finds from the late Bronze Age, around 1700 to 1300 BC, mark early settlement on the Kofel. The medieval lords of Castelruth built their stronghold here; its Latin name, Castellum Ruptum, became the name of the village. The castle hill later became a devotional landscape, with chapels linked by a Way of the Cross also called the Friedensweg, or peace trail. The annual Oswald von Wolkenstein ride opens with a tournament on the hill.