Castelrotto Museum of Traditional Costumes

The costume is closely linked to the identity of the inhabitants of Castelrotto and the whole of South Tyrol. And it also has an interesting history, because under Charlemagne farmers were only allowed to wear clothes made of materials they could produce themselves. The costume was therefore simple, women protected these working clothes with an apron. When the provision was abolished in the middle of the 18th century, the first more elaborate and valuable costumes with ornaments as we know them today were created: They became a living cultural asset.

The Castelrotto costume for men consists of a traditional shirt, waistcoat and a dark loden jacket, as well as traditional trousers and costume shoes. The traditional hat is decorated with a carnation and leaves. The women dress has a long black skirt and a velvet bodice. Under the silver or colourful scarf with fringes, a black small cape (with a black moiré apron) is worn in winter, and a white jacket (with a blue apron) in summer. For years the Museum Association Castelrotto and the Local History Association Sciliar have been researching and documenting the beautiful traditional costumes in the Alpe di Siusi area. In 2016 an essay was finally published in two volumes, and in 2019 the opening of the Castelrotto Museum of Traditional Costumes - "Trachtenmuseum Kastelruth" in German, "Museo dei Costumi Tradizionali di Castelrotto" in Italian - followed.

Postcards, pictorial documents and ensembles of traditional costumes from the 18th, 19th and 20th century are exhibited in the historic Lächler Residence in order to continue to promote and keep this cultural asset alive. Some of them are on loan and are still worn. The historical costumes can also be admired at the "Country Wedding in Castelrotto". And how to reach the museum? It is located on the central village square, which can be reached from Bolzano by bus no. 170, for example. Parking spaces are available in the vicinity.