Castello Fai

Castello Fai is a restored castle in the historic centre of Fai della Paganella, high above the Adige valley in Trentino. Locals call it the Ciastel, and it is the 17th-century hunting lodge from which the Counts of Spaur set out to hunt four centuries ago. It is let as holiday accommodation, in the form of apartments rather than hotel rooms.

The stay

The idea is to enjoy the flair of a historic property without giving up modern comfort. The listed features include historical ambience, thermal insulation, a kitchen unit, 1 Gbit/s internet, floor heating, LED lighting, digital TV and a multiroom sound system. The kitchen is equipped with crockery and appliances, and the apartment has a private garden and home automation. For Castello Fai and Residenza delle Contesse, an extra cot for children up to three years and a high chair are provided.

The day starts with the shutters opening onto a view across battlements and meadows to the silhouette of the Paganella. The operator also lists further holiday homes, Residenza delle Contesse and Torre del Baron.

The setting

Fai della Paganella is a community of about 980 people on a sunny plateau below the Paganella, with the Brenta massif nearby. It lies 20 kilometres north of Trento and 60 kilometres south of Bolzano.

Getting there

The best route is the Adige Valley motorway, exit Mezzocorona, direction Mezzolombardo. In snow, chains are recommended on the final stretch. The castle’s ring wall is reached from Via Trieste, 100 metres after the turning at the entrance to the town. Cars can stop briefly in front of the gate to unload; parking is near the fountain in Piazza Trentina and in Via Damiano Chiesa and Via Trieste. Ski equipment should not be brought into the apartment and can be left at the lift station’s ski depot.

Practical notes

Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is until 11am.