Living in the castle: "Castel Badia" comes to life again

High up in the Dolomites, a historic landmark is opening a new chapter: In December 2025, "Castel Badia" reopened its doors after a careful transformation, combining centuries of history with modern design.

The result of a collaboration between hotelier Aldo Melpignano, the Kronplatz Group and the Gasser and Knötig families, the project combines cultural heritage with international hospitality expertise. Just a few minutes from Bruneck, at the foot of the Kronplatz, the castle built around the year 1000 becomes a place where history, nature and contemporary enjoyment merge.

History of the castle linked to Val Badia

Once a Benedictine convent and home to important abbesses whose knowledge of spirituality, the art of healing and nature was deeply rooted in the valley, "Castel Badia" is still closely associated with Val Badia (Ladin and Italian: Val Badia) today.

The restoration by architecture firm Null17 and the sensitive interiors by Milan-based studio Droulers preserve frescoes, medieval window shapes and museum-curated areas and translate them into a modern alpine aesthetic of natural woods and velvet fabrics that echo the warm colors of the Dolomites.

Preserving the charm of the castle

In the 29 individually designed rooms and suites, historical elements meet contemporary design, flooded with light and with views of the valley, courtyard and village, while spacious bathrooms with panoramic bathtubs, private saunas or hammams become retreats of well-being. The ensemble is complemented by a detached chalet in the countryside with a garden and terrace, which combines alpine freedom with maximum comfort.

Traditional knowledge of the nuns in the spa

The spa, embedded in centuries-old stone walls, draws on the knowledge of the former convent residents; the restored apothecary garden forms the heart of the philosophy and treatments take place in former convent cells, while heated outdoor pools offer views of the surrounding peaks.