Castello-Molina Di Fiemme: Routes and History

Castello-Molina Di Fiemme reveals itself through diverse landscapes and stories. Castello di Fiemme is a historic village set in a broad, sunny hollow of meadows; Molina di Fiemme lies beside the Avisio stream at the entrance to Val Cadino. This offers several starting points for planning a trip: routes with information panels, historic buildings, and activities such as cycling, cross-country skiing, or rafting.

Dos Zelor: Landscape and Archaeology

On the eastern edge of Castello di Fiemme, Dos Zelor is a reminder of an ancient village that was established around 2,000 years ago and is now buried. Archaeological findings confirm its existence. In 1975, Dos Zelor was designated a cultural heritage site of regional importance and included in the historic heritage of Val di Fiemme.

At Dos Zelor, a circular route just under two kilometres long follows country roads and meadow paths. Information panels explain the landscape, nature, traditions, and history. The route thus combines exploring the landscape with the themes that shape the area’s archaeological and cultural character. The Riserva Locale di Brozin offers another natural-history highlight: it is of particular botanical, floral, faunal, and geological interest. Its approximately 3.5-kilometre walking loop has 15 information panels and three access points.

Churches, Medieval Houses, and Craftsmanship

The Chiesa di San Giorgio Martire was built between 1850 and 1856 on the site of the former Eppan castle, consecrated in 1864, and restored in 1925. To its north stands the Chiesetta della Madonna di Lourdes. Its originally Gothic forms were adapted in later periods; it was consecrated in 1216. In Molina, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Antonio was built between 1846 and 1852 beside the Croz del Cogòl rock.

Architecture beyond the churches also tells stories of different eras. Castello di Fiemme has four medieval buildings known as “case romane.” The Segheria Veneziana is a historic sawmill on the Rio Gambis. It was built in 1888 and powered by a three-metre wooden gravity waterwheel. Together, these buildings offer different ways to explore local history: through religious architecture, medieval buildings, and the former use of hydropower.

Water Landscapes and Remembrance

Lago di Stramentizzo is an artificial lake that holds back the water of the Avisio stream. Its creation changed the history of the old village of Stramentizzo: on 5 July 1956, the village was flooded by the lake. The stone portal of the former church remains. The lake therefore represents both a change to the landscape and a visible testament to the village’s history.

The municipal area of Castello-Molina di Fiemme also includes the Santuario della Natività della Beata Vergine Marian in Piazzol, also known as the Santuario della Madonna dei Boscaioli. It is located near Molina di Fiemme, at the entrance to Val Cadino, on the provincial road to Passo Manghen (S.P. 31). This location helps distinguish the religious building from the churches in Castello and Molina.

Routes for Different Interests

The Montagna Senza Limiti circular route connects Cavalese and Castello di Fiemme. It is suitable for electric wheelchairs and can also be used with a Triride. Check the conditions before setting off. For cyclists, the seasonal Bike Express runs uphill from Molina di Fiemme to Canazei and has 50 seats and a bicycle trailer. The service begins on the first weekend of May; if you plan to use the shuttle, it is a good idea to check the timetable.

The cross-country ski trail in Val di Fiemme can also be understood in terms of its route: it can be divided into four sections and runs from its lowest point in Molina di Fiemme, at around 800 metres, to Moena at 1,200 metres. Adventure Dolomiti Rafting offers rafting trips preceded by a short theoretical and practical briefing. Information about the routes, their accessibility, and the activities available can help you tailor your stay to the things that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Calceranica Al Lago, Massimeno, Mezzolombardo, Vetriolo, Padergnone, Lavis, Cavizzana, Cavareno.

Go to the main travel overview: Trentino.