186.  The village of Castelrotto in the Dolomite mountains

186. The village of Castelrotto in the Dolomite mountains

Author: Clever Dog Digital April 30, 2025 Duration: 23:22

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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to the Italian Dolomites, specifically the village of Castelrotto, during the quiet period before Christmas. They detail the unique architecture, culinary experiences, and a memorable hike to Chiesa San Valentino.

Key Points:

  • Introduction to Castelrotto: A picturesque mountain village with colorful buildings and unique architecture reflecting Austro-Hungarian influences.
  • Travel Timing: The benefits of visiting in mid-December, before the Christmas rush.

Architectural and Cultural Highlights:

  • Unique Architecture: Discussion of onion-shaped domes on church steeples and ornamental de-signs on buildings.
  • Car-Free Village: The convenience and charm of Castelrotto’s car-free environment.

Culinary Experience:

  • Memorable Dinner: Details of a three-course meal at a local hotel, featuring risotto, trout, and flan.
  • Emphasis on local cuisine and presentation.

The Hike to Chiesa San Valentino:

  • Destination: A walk to the Church of St. Valentine (Chiesa San Valentino) in Alpe di Siusi.
  • Landscape: Description of the stunning Alpine meadow and the church’s idyllic setting.
  • Solitude: The experience of visiting the church with no other tourists around

Final Thoughts:

  • Recommendation to visit Castelrotto in mid-December for a quiet, crowd-free experience.
  • Teaser for the next episode, which will also focus on the Dolomite mountains.





There's a particular magic to Italy that goes far beyond its famous landmarks, a rhythm of life that you only really start to feel once you've lingered in a local piazza or navigated a bustling market. Kimberly's Italy Travel is an invitation into that deeper experience, guided by Kimberly Holcombe, whose own story began with a life-changing move to Milan years ago. That journey didn't just create memories; it reshaped her perspective, and she shares that genuine, lived-in understanding in every episode. You'll hear personal stories from her travels, often punctuated by the kind of comical, real-world lessons that no standard guidebook ever mentions. This podcast serves as a rich audio companion, weaving together passionate discussions about regional cuisine, layers of local history, and the vibrant arts that define Italy's culture. It’s about the sensory details-the taste of a perfectly simple dish, the echo in an ancient alleyway, the warmth of a conversation with a new friend. Listeners gain practical, invaluable travel tips born from direct experience, all while feeling like they're sharing a coffee and a laugh with a knowledgeable guide. Through these conversations and reflections, the aim is to transport you, offering not just a list of destinations, but a feeling for the places and people that make Italy endlessly captivating.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Kimberly's Italy
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