Situated at an altitude of 1550 meters in the beautiful valley between the group of the Brenta Dolomites and the glaciers of Adamello and Presanella, Madonna di Campiglio, is without doubt, one of the most famous resorts of Trentino and the surrounding Alps. The territory of Madonna di Campiglio belongs to the town of Pinzolo, whilst Palù of Madonna di Campiglio, is a district of the town of Ragoli.
It is surely the most well known destination for skiers, snow lovers and winter sport fans, where all can practice alpine skiing and snowboarding, with its 60km of tracks and ski lifts. A perfect departure point, particularly recommended during the Summer Season, for memorable excursions and walks along mountain trails, in close contact with nature, towards the discovery of streams and small lakes.
The centre became a famous tourist resort in the second half of the XIX century, when it was censured as a popular residence area for the noble families and the wealthy Mitteleuropean bourgeoisie: even the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and his beloved wife Sissi were enchanted by the beauty of these places and stayed here between 1889 and 1894.
The first historical news of Madonna di Campiglio date back to 1188 and are contained in a letter to Conrad II of Beseno, Bishop of Trento.
Besides the natural beauty, well worth visiting are some architectural gems, such as:
- the Church of Santa Maria Antica, built in Gothic style in the last years of the XIX century on the site of a small hospice for travelers, founded in 1180 by Raymond and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The pulpit, the confessional at the top of the nave, some windows and the decorations of the choir were donated by the Emperor of Austria. Interesting are also an ancient crucifix in a Nordic style of the XII century, a wooden sculpture representing the Virgin of Fig and a XIV-XV century triptych of the Madonna and Saints Barbara and Catherine.
- the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, built in the seventies of the XX century, designed by architect Marcello Armani of Trento;
- the Church of St. Anthony of Mavignola, which preserves inside frescoes of Christopher Baschenis (XVI century). The Gothic lunette of the façade features a wonderful artwork which represents the Deposition.
An event which every year attracts a large audience of tourists and curious is the Hapsburg Carnival, which revives all the glory and the atmosphere of the XIX century Viennese court, with court balls, waltzes and a costume parade of noble gentlemen, dames, hussars on horseback, carriages and the royal couple of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Sissi.