Hikes pass by the vineyard slopes of Cornedo, such as the one along the path to San Vito and on the South Tyrolean Pearl Trail
Image gallery: Cornedo village
Slightly above the Valle Isarco, the village of Cornedo (Karneid Dorf) is situated in a sunny, mid-mountain location. It gives its name to the entire municipality, above which Cornedo Castle is impressively enthroned. In the past, the rock on which the castle stands was a strategically important position on the route over the Brennero Pass. Today, the imposing 13th-century complex is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in all of South Tyrol.
For some years now, it has been open to visitors in summer. Along the road to the village centre and into the Val d'Ega, there is a point from which you have a beautiful view of the castle, the vineyards, and the provincial capital of Bolzano. Several hiking trails also pass by there, so that you can even reach San Valentino in Campo on foot, the location of the well-known observatory. The hike follows a section of the South Tyrolean Pearl Trail, an 80-kilometre circular tour of five days.
It starts in Cardano and takes you to the Passo Nigra and to Lake Carezza, the Rainbow Lake. Individual houses and some inns characterise the village centre on the Monte di Cornedo - in addition, the primary school and the Church of Saint Vitus are located there. The lower part of the church tower is still Romanesque and attests to the church's foundation period in the 14th century.
The hamlet of San Vito near Cornedo village is also named after Saint Vitus - patron saint of pharmacists, innkeepers, beer brewers, vintners, actors, and dancers. The administrative centre, with the post office and Carabinieri station, however, is located in Cardano in the valley.
