Castel Badia is a fascinating boutique-Hotel 5* l located in San Lorenzo di Sebato, in the Dolomites, in northern Italy. Behind its walls lie nearly 1,000 years of history, rebellious nuns, power struggles, fires, and many medieval secrets.

Reservation

We recommend booking your stay at Castel Badia through Booking.com, which often offers free cancellation. Send us a message on Instagram if you go—we'd really appreciate it.

A Rich History

Amid the silent peaks of the Dolomites stands a place that has always been unique.

Founded in the 11th century by Count Otwin von Lurngau, the castle was originally designed to serve as a seat of justice. It was Otwin’s son, Volkhold, who transformed the castle into the first Benedictine convent for women.

The abbey was gradually led by educated and fiercely independent abbesses. Among them were Maria Antonietta Mörlin, whose distinctive signature, “MAMA,” can still be seen today on the castle walls, and Verena von Stuben, who, in the 15th century, defended the convent’s autonomy during conflicts with the bishopric.

In 1965, local entrepreneur Karl Knötig breathed new life into the castle by turning it into a hotel. It was an obvious choice for a place that, over the centuries, had already been home to so many people.

Since December 2025, this venture has entered a new chapter, spearheaded by Gunther Knötig. A high-end hotel project that pays homage to the site’s history while reinterpreting it with a contemporary vision.

Rooms and Suites

There are 28 rooms in total and a chalet that can be rented out exclusively. No two rooms are alike.

Here are our favorites:

1 • Bella • Photo • Photo
2 • Splendida • Photo • Photo
3 • Sublime • Photo • Photo
4 • Preziosa • Photo • Photo
5 • Stupenda • Photo • Photo
6 • Magnifica • Photo • Photo

Life in the hotel

The interior is a wonder at every turn.

The decor subtly blends South Tyrolean stone walls, Romanesque vaults, medieval frescoes, and an ancient crypt.

During your stay, take the time to explore the estate’s many hidden corners and secrets: the Abbess’s Room (with its magnificent vaulted vaulted ), the Saint-Gothard Chapel, the Saint-Vigile Chapel, the 17 gardens surrounding the castle, and the mysterious crypt.

Every morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast, included in the reservation price. On the menu: local products, an à la carte selection of sweet and savory dishes, freshly baked pastries, artisanal jams from South Tyrol, farm-fresh cheeses, and Tyrolean specialties selected by the chef.

In the evening, head to Stube Badia for a delicious meal featuring alpine cheeses, fresh vegetables, broths, and mountain soups.

In the heart of the castle, a staircase leads down to the spa, carved directly into the rock. It’s a true haven of peace where you can recharge at your own pace, lulled by the steam, the panoramic views, and the soothing properties of alpine herbs.

Facilities include: a heated indoor pool, 2 heated outdoor pools, 2 indoor saunas, a steam room, a Turkish bath, an outdoor sauna, an ice shower, and a fitness center.

Location

Castel Badia is ideally located on a hilltop in the small village of San Lorenzo di Sebato, in South Tyrol, halfway between Munich and Venice.

What can I say about the surrounding area? Everything is beautiful, and it’s definitely our favorite part of the Dolomites.

About 40 minutes away, you won't want to miss the Dolomites' most famous attraction: Lago di Braies. It's undoubtedly the most beautiful lake in Italy, magically surrounded by mountains. Here's a drone photo from our winter trip. But it's even more magical when the weather is nice.

Are you heading to the lake from Castel Badia? We have an idea for you.

Leave the main road behind and take the Passo Furcia, a spectacular climb winding through wild mountain pastures and dense forests. This mountainous route offers breathtaking views of Plan de Corones before descending into the Braies Valley via the winding roads of the Sonnenberg. It’s the perfect route for exploring the lake’s most secluded slopes.

If you enjoy hiking in the mountains, we have another idea we absolutely have to share with you. Start by entering “Pederü Berggasthaus” (it’s a mountain hotel) as your destination in your GPS. You’ll pass through San Vigilio, which we love. The road then becomes picture-perfect. Here’s another video showing the mountains on either side.

Once you arrive at the hotel, leave your car in the parking lot and set out on the marked trail leading to the famous Fanes Plateau. After a spectacular climb up winding switchbacks from the bottom of the valley (the Val de Rudo), you’ll emerge onto this high-altitude plateau, located at about 2,000 meters. In winter or early spring, this plateau remains snow-covered for a long time, offering a wild, lunar-like atmosphere surrounded by limestone peaks. Magical!