For those who wish to know where Madonna di Campiglio is located, it is enough to find the Adamello–Brenta Nature Park on the map of Italy. In its very heart, at an altitude of 1,522 m above sea level, between the Brenta Dolomites, Presanella, and Adamello, lies this small yet enchanting resort. Its administrative address is the Val Rendena valley in the province of Trento. The currency used here is the Italian lira. The population does not exceed 1,700 residents, but its history spans at least 800 years.
The history of Madonna di Campiglio begins in the 12th century when a certain Raimondo built a small inn for travelers and merchants in the picturesque valley. Over time, a little church appeared next to it. After a while, the church authorities purchased the inn and founded a monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary of Campiglio. However, the monastery’s financial situation was dire, and the property gradually fell into decline until a native of Strembo, Giovanbattista Righi, bought the land from the church. It is considered that Madonna di Campiglio was officially founded in 1868 when this transaction took place. Righi not only built a hotel here but also constructed the road to Val Rendena and Pinzolo.
In 1882, Righi passed away, and all his property was inherited by Franz Joseph Österreich, who helped make the resort the most popular among the aristocracy of that time. Having the opportunity to move in high society, he constantly praised his lands and even persuaded Emperor Franz to visit several times — in 1889 and 1894. This turned out to be the best promotion for Madonna di Campiglio.
By that time, skiing and mountaineering were gaining popularity across Europe. Therefore, as early as 1872, the first mountaineering association was founded here. In the mid-1930s, the resort built its first ski lift, and in 1948, the first chairlift, with a capacity of up to 200 people.
In 1955, the Österreich family sold the resort to Lombard entrepreneurs, who continued to develop it. Thanks to them, 4–6-story chalets were built in Madonna di Campiglio.
