How to reach Ciardes
Attractions:
– The Kastelbell Castle
Tschars/Ciardes stretches across the Monte Sole mountain at the foot of the Texel group. It is located just below the hill of Juval Castle, at the entrance of the rugged Schnalstal valley. There are many historic farmsteads in the village center as well as examples of contemporary architecture which complement the old structures well and give the village the aura of a small but bustling living space. Ciardes also offers visitors many culinary delights.
Ciardes is the location of many beautiful hiking trails, like the Latschanderwaal trail with its chestnut groves, or the Ciardes Waalweg trail as one of the longest irrigation channel paths in South Tyrol (11km). The irrigation channel paths to Stava/Staben and Juvale/Juval are also well worth seeing and numerous culinary delights can be found along the way.
Taste and enjoy:
Castelbello-Ciardes/Kastelbell-Tschars is located between the mild Alpine-Mediterranean basin of Merano/Meran, the high Alpine glacier of Senales/Schnals and the windy but sunny Venosta Valley. Thus, it offers ideal conditions for high-quality farm products and specialties. The village is known for its organic produce such as asparagus and great wines, but also excellent fresh fruit such as apples and pears, apricots and berries. Castelbello-Ciardes is also home to great single-varietal fruit brandies.
The wines are mostly produced by small wine growers, who also run small farm distilleries and farmers’ shops, where all first-class products can be tasted and purchased locally.
Art and Culture:
The history of Venosta Valley is omnipresent in Castelbello-Ciardes/Kastelbell-Tschars, which lies along the ancient Roman trade route Via Claudia Augusta. Many places of interest line the way to the small village, including four castles, various estates and historic farmsteads. All testify to the importance of the village over the centuries. The many picturesque irrigation channel paths, orchards and vineyards around Castelbello-Ciardes are inviting for hikers to experience.
Visitors of the Messner Mountain Museum at Juval Castle can experience living history and art. This picturesque castle is located on the left shore of the Adige and is also the setting for many popular events. Not only cultural events, but also traditions and customs are high on the agenda. The festivals, processions and autumnal Törggelen are yearly highlights for locals and guests.