Archeological sites

Here's what we found

The Dolomites never cease to surprise.

The Doss Castel nestled in the forests of the Altopiano della Paganella, is located on an unassailable hill overlooking the Adige Valley (Valle dell'Adige).

Here it is possible to visit the archaeological sites where from 1979 onwards, ruins of ancient dwellings were discovered. It is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Alps because it has a rare Raetian settlement dating from the 5th-4th century BC.

The Raetians were an ancient population living in the central Alps region, dating back to the period prior to the Romans. The Fritzens-Sanzeno culture is the physical evidence of this population, attested in the late Iron Age in Alto Adige and Trentino, and which takes its name from the two towns of Fritzens (Austria) and Sanzeno (Trentino).

This village could be considered as a forerunner to the medieval castles that followed. Don't you agree?

From the central square of Fai you can reach the excavation sites on foot in about 20 minutes.

Along the way you will encounter "swing" information panel displays that allow you to discover the Raetian world, captivating not only adults but also children. When you arrive at the panoramic viewing area there is a panel to help you learn the Raetic alphabet in a fun and easy way.

Not to be missed

The oldest find up to date is a small stone axe dating back to the late Neolithic/Eneolithic period, while the first settlement traces are from the Bronze Age.

Here you can download an informative map and more information about the Ethnographic Doss Castel and Raetian archaeological site trail.