Colma

The historic Kunter Trail from the 14th century now leads as a hiking path through the gorge between Cardano and Collma

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Colma or Kollmann, as it is called in German, is a district of Barbiano on the sunny slope of the Isarco Valley, directly on the Valle Isarco Cycle Path.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Castel Friedburg in the centre of the village was built in 1482 AD as a customs station and retained its function until 1829 - today it is run as an inn.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The majestic customs house is visible from afar, the walls with their red and white chequered pattern are enthroned directly on the state road.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The historic “Gegenschreiberhaus” behind it also belonged to the customs station: It houses the library, a rehearsal room and the club house today.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The primary school, several shops, the St. Leonard Church with its bell tower inserted alongside the facade are also located around the centre.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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In the 17th century, two side chapels with turrets were added to the church - at that time it was a custom to ride around the church three times on horseback during the consecration festival.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The Rio Gander stream (Ganderbach), which flooded the village in 1891 after a storm and killed many people, flows gently through the village.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Colma is surrounded by meadows, forests and vineyards, and the municipal area is also home to the famous three Barbiano Waterfalls.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The vineyards turn yellow and golden in October and early November… then it’s the time for the traditional Toerggele evenings and the new wine.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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In winter, you can quickly reach the surrounding skiing areas such as Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi and the Christmas Markets in Chiusa and Bolzano.
Foto: AT, © Peer

Close to Colma:
offers 4 nights from 384 € per person

The village of Colma (Kollmann) may look inconspicuous today, but it was very important in the past. Today, it remains in the memory of everyone travelling along the Valle Isarco road, as the chequered Friedburg Castle stands in the middle of the village. It is an old customs station. Its history begins in 1482, when Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, commissioned the construction of a customs station whose building should also protect the treasures from robbers and radiate power.

Many nobles and kings stopped here, because anyone who wanted to be crowned emperor had to go to the Pope in Rome. The road there, the main connection between Italy and Europe, led through Colma and through the gates of Friedburg Castle. At that time, the Kunter Path was only newly built. For centuries before that, the old "Kaiserstrasse" (Emperor's Road) led from Colma up to the Renon High Plateau and to Bolzano, because the Isarco Gorge was still swampy at that time. Goethe also knew Colma, he mentions it in his diary of the "Italian Journey".

Today, the holiday resort nestles on the gentle, sunny slopes of the lower Isarco Valley. Historic paths, waterfalls, farm inns and vineyards are scattered throughout the area. In the village, you can visit the St. Leonard Church with its façade bell wall and the Holy Trinity Church, which used to be known as the Customs Chapel. The historic "Gegenschreiberhaus" behind Castel Friedburg, where the customs officer used to sign the documents, today houses the library and the club house.

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