Ciardes is located at the transition from the Merano area to the lower Val Venosta and thus in the westernmost part of South Tyrol
Image gallery: Ciardes
An invisible border lies between Stava near Naturno and the neighbouring village of Ciardes (Tschars), namely the one between the Merano area and the Val Venosta. Here you find yourself at the entrance to the westernmost main valley of South Tyrol, known for its apple orchards, Lake Resia and the expanses of the Malles Heath. Ciardes itself spreads out at the foot of the Monte Sole, the sunny side of the lower Val Venosta. It is probably even older than Castelbello.
The first mention of the place name, "Sardes", was already mentioned in documents in 1188 AD. Today, St. Martin's Church stands in the middle of the village, surrounded by the village café, a pizzeria, a bank, a playground and shops. The school is housed in an outbuilding of an abandoned Carthusian monastery from the Renaissance period.
Predominantly agricultural Ciardes has, over time, developed into a popular holiday village with interesting leisure opportunities. As everywhere in South Tyrol, nature experiences shape leisure activities - hiking and cycling are particularly popular here. There are countless options for this, from the Senales Waalweg path to the Latschander Waalweg path along the ancient irrigation channels, and from the Val Venosta Cycle Path to an MTB tour to the Marzon Mountain Hut.
Again and again, you will pass by a mill, because in Colsano, Castelbello and Ciardes, the old Moar Mill, Platter Mill and Baumandl Mill are still preserved. In winter, it is a half-hour drive to the Val Senales Glacier or into the Val Martello in the Stelvio National Park, where ski tours, toboggan runs and cross-country ski tracks await you.
