High above the Pustertal, Castel Badia reopens its doors after an extensive restoration, embarking on a new chapter in its more than thousand-year history. The former Benedictine convent is one of the most culturally significant sites in the region, now presenting itself as an exclusive hideaway with 29 individually designed rooms, an extraordinary spa set within historic vaulted cellars, and contemporary alpine cuisine under the direction of head chef Alberto Toè.
The project is the result of a collaboration between Aldo Melpignano, the Kronplatz Group, and the Gasser and Knötig families. A blend of international expertise, regional identity, and living cultural heritage.
A place where history remains tangible
Built around the year 1000 and later one of the first convents for women in South Tyrol, Castel Badia is closely tied to the spiritual and cultural development of the Gadertal valley. The recent restoration by Null17 Architects and the interiors by the Milan-based studio Droulers preserve frescoes, medieval windows, and museum-curated areas, translating them into a contemporary alpine aesthetic of natural woods, velvet fabrics, and warm Dolomite colors. The result is an ambiance in which historic substance and modern design merge harmoniously.
The 29 rooms and suites are generously proportioned, flooded with natural light, and each individually crafted. Many offer views of the valley, the courtyard, or the village. Historic elements blend with natural materials and contemporary design. Every room tells its own story. Several bathrooms have been conceived as standalone living spaces. Panoramic bathtubs, private saunas, and hammams create personal retreats that reinterpret the concept of well-being. Rounding out the offering is a three-story chalet located just steps from the castle, a secluded hideaway surrounded by greenery, with a terrace, panoramic views, and a private garden.
Well-being between convent walls and mountain air
The spa at Castel Badia is set within centuries-old stone walls and draws on traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs and the restorative power of the mountains. The restored apothecary garden, inspired by the former abbesses and healers of the convent, forms the philosophical heart of the property. Former convent cells now serve as tranquil treatment rooms that combine intimacy and stillness.
Outdoors, heated pools open up to views of the surrounding peaks. Guests can find moments of deep calm under the open sky. The Pustertal itself also invites exploration: forest paths, secluded lakes, centuries-old villages, and a mountain world full of stories.
Cuisine with responsibility and regional depth
Head chef Alberto Toè (b. 1988) shapes the culinary identity of the property. His training and experience, including time with Andreas Caminada, Norbert Niederkofler, Martin Berasategui, and Pietro Leemann, blend with the flavors of his childhood and a contemporary vision. He understands his cuisine as a cultural and ethical responsibility, one that unites tradition and modernity.
At the heart of the castle, a fine dining restaurant is taking shape, set to open in the coming spring. It pays tribute to all those who have nourished generations, from the abbesses to nature itself. Slow fermentations, local ingredients, and aromatic broths transform every dish into a narrative experience at a shared table.
Stube Badia offers a more relaxed culinary experience. Several historic rooms, each with its own atmosphere, create a welcoming environment in which guests are accompanied through the different moments of the day. The kitchen celebrates regional flavors and authentic traditions.
Between nature, history, and contemporary hospitality
Castel Badia is situated above St. Lorenzen, a town with Roman roots where the Pustertal opens up between forests and peaks. Its proximity to Bruneck, defined by culture, craftsmanship, and historic cafés, as well as to Kronplatz with its museums, ski slopes, and summer experiences, makes the castle an ideal base for exploration. At the same time, the panorama of the Dolomites is ever-present: visible through the windows, tangible in the gardens, and always alive in the atmosphere of this extraordinary place.
About Castel Badia in the Dolomites
Castel Badia is a castle with more than 1,000 years of history, situated above St. Lorenzen in the Dolomites, set to reopen in December 2025 following an extensive restoration. Originally built around the year 1000 and later used as the first Benedictine convent in South Tyrol, the property today combines historic heritage, contemporary design, and luxurious hospitality. The 29 individually designed rooms and suites, a chalet nestled in greenery, and a spa within the medieval vaulted cellars create a singular retreat deeply rooted in the history and nature of the Pustertal.
Culinarily, Castel Badia is defined by head chef Alberto Toè, whose regionally inspired fine dining cuisine bridges tradition and modernity. The project is a collaboration by Aldo Melpignano, the Kronplatz Group, and the Gasser and Knötig families.