The chief village of the municipality of Rodengo is located at 885 m asl and has got some 500 inhabitants. Villa represents the southernmost end of the Rodengo high plateau, falling away sharply into the Rienza gorge at the parish church and Castel Rodengo.

The parish church of Villa rises in an impressive position. Looking from the cemetery murals, the view is attracted by the depth of the Rienza gorge, while on the opposite site you can see another high plateau, which is Maranza and the Gitschberg hiking and skiing area. In the south, however, there is Castel Rodengo. An ensemble that also deserves protection is the parish house with Gothic sundial, a garden, a wayside shrine an a fruit orchard.

Castel Rodengo, constructed by Friedrich von Rodank in the 12th century, is the ultimate attraction in the village. It rises mightily on a rock spur above the Rienza river, is still in part inhabited and known above all due to the Iwein fresco cycle that has been laid open in 1972. These paintings are considered to be the most ancient profane wall paintings in the German speaking area. There are also several legends ranking about this castle. By the way, you can visit the castle in the frame of guided tours from May to October.

Our tip: a visit to the Alpe di Rodengo Alpine pasture, ideal for a walk in all the seasons of the year. And to conclude a great day on holidays, we recommend you an evening out bowling in the “Rodank“ bowling bar with 4 fully-automatic lanes.

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