Racines (Ratschings in German) is a town in the province of Bolzano, set alonf the Ridanna Valley, the Racines Valley and Giovo valley, surrounded by a landscape characterized by an untouched and idyllic nature that invite you to organize long walks along the mountain paths, excursions to the highest peaks or simply lying into the sun and fresh air, enjoying the intimate pleasure of relaxation, typical of the mountain areas. During the winter period, the ski-area Racines-Giovo is the perfect destination for ski lovers, tanks to its modern and efficient facilities.
The town was officially established only in 1929 from the merging of the municipalities of Mareta, Ridanna, Telves, Val Giovo e Racines. It is one of the largest town in South Tyrol.
Attractions:
- Wolfsthurn castle, today seat of Hunting and Fishing Museum, was defined one of the most beautiful castle in South Tyrol by the historian Tinkhauser. In Baroque style, its origins probably date back to the XIII century when the Counts of Tyrol belonged here a defensive tower.
- the ruins of Reifenegg castle (XI century), with a tower about 23m high;
- the Chapel of Santa Maddalena in Gasse, with a high spired bell tower and tall side windows;
- the parish Church of San Giuseppe, built in 1764 in Rococo style, designed by Rupert Röck;
- the small Church of San Lorenzo;
- Cascate di Stanghe gorge, or emperor Franz-Joseph, as it was named after about 100 years ago, is the only waterfall in the world so deeply dug into the white marble;
- the Mining Museum, near Montevenere mine, once one of the highest in Europe;
- the path of the "malghe" (pastures);
- Pfeifer Huisele path.