Castello di Botestagno

Castello di Botestagno is a ruined fortress perched on a rock formation in the Boite River valley, overlooking three converging valleys north of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The structure shows weathered stone foundations and wall remains scattered across the terrain.

The fortress began as a wooden outpost during Lombard conflicts in the 7th century and received stone walls around the year 1000. After its founding, it served for centuries as a military stronghold for the local rulers.

The name Botestagno comes from the German word Beutelstein, showing the bilingual heritage of this Alpine region between Italy and Austria. Local stories connect the fortress to the border trade routes that once passed through the valley.

The ruins are reachable via marked hiking trails from Cortina d'Ampezzo center through the Dolomiti d'Ampezzo Natural Park. The path climbs steeply and requires sturdy hiking boots and good physical fitness.

The fortress was a checkpoint on the ancient trade route between Venice and Innsbruck, protecting merchants and goods for centuries. This position at the crossroads made it one of the most important sites for regional business and strategic power.