The hamlet of San Vigilio near Castelrotto is home to the San Vigilio Siusi Golf Club, an 18-hole facility with gorges, ponds and waterfalls
Image gallery: San Vigilio
The houses of San Vigilio (St. Vigil) lie between the two larger villages of the Sciliar area, Castelrotto and Fié allo Sciliar, forming a scattered settlement on the slopes of the gorge of the Rio Freddo. From here, there is a wide view of the Sciliar Massif. The hamlet is surrounded by dense forests and meadows, from which the tower of the Church of Saint Vigil rises.
Like many places in South Tyrol, the hamlet is named after its patron saint. Myths and legends surround the small church. It is said to have been built on a former cult site. Records show that the church already stood here in 1260 AD and was rebuilt in the 15th century after a rockfall. At the start of spring, the massive Sciliar casts its shadow on the church roof for one last time, not fully exposing it to the sun again until the astronomical start of autumn on September 23.
The spring near the church, meanwhile, only carries water in May and June - two peculiarities that give San Vigilio its mysterious character. Although the hamlet is small, it is an excellent base for exploring the Sciliar area. The San Vigilio Siusi Golf Club was also built here. Set among the mountains of the Dolomites and the Siusi Alp, the 18-hole course is considered one of the most beautiful in the Alpine region. It is known for its high technical and sporting standard.
The small village of San Vigilio borders Sant'Osvaldo, another hamlet of Castelrotto. There, you can visit the Rovereto Castle ruins, the Pflegerhof organic herb farm and the Malenger Mill.
