Campei Sanctuary
"Only by sitting and resting does the soul become wise."
(Samuel Beckett)
One of the best memory of Campei – and I have a lot of them- is when I first found out about it. The snow was heavy, no running water in the house, the little fountain outside was covered by the ice and I had to walk 150 mt to the nearest brook.
I got there underneath the moonlight reflecting on the snow... it was out of this world. The water was barely 4 to 5 degrees but I didn't feel cold. I was happy because I was in a magical place. I got dressed, put my boots on and stop for a while just looking at the surroundings: the brook, the ice, the moon. I sucked it all in and never forgot about it”.
Giovanni Zambiasi
Things you need to know
Hospitality
Horsemen/horsewomen and their horses, hikers, families with kids and/or dogs, mountain bikers, e-bikers, birdwatchers, small groups of friends or couples, all are welcome.
Available at the Sanctuary
Lunchroom and a lounge with a fireplace, kitchen, three bedrooms (8 beds) overlooking the mountains, a shared bathroom, a place for horses and for bikes. No tv and cell phones access is possible only in some areas.
Personal Chef service offers food and drinks from the local area or surroundings (Italian products only), fresh fruits and vegetables. Our wine selection is valuable and customized.
Bedrooms
A double bedroom with a French Bed (suitable for one couple or a single person), a double room where you can add one more bed, a double room with separate beds and one more bed can be added.
You can really be outside of this world, enter a new natural dimension without leaving behind the comfort of a warm bedroom, well-functioning bathroom – and a shower, too – and a well-stocked kitchen with Personal Chef service. You are only asked to put aside your phone and your watch to enjoy the time spent here.
Want to come?
Call us 0365 644101 for info or availability, Scuderia Castello srl manages all the refuges and sanctuaries in all aspects. Booking is mandatory, anyway.
You can reach it by horse or by foot. It's a trip through the dark forest where exceptional sensations can be part of the adventure when finally arriving to the light and good vibes that make this place so special.
About us
Campei is special for me, but not only for me, it feels so for everyone who's a guest there. It's a good vibe, high energy place, filled with peace and positivity. People who get here can't wait to come back.
Personally, I can barely stand a week without going, despite the weather or the season. Because here it feels good. Really good”.
Giovanni Zambiasi
Historical hints
It is said that was built in the 1600s. A stable, a room to prepare butter and cheese plus one little shack in Campei di Mezzo (now run-down) were included at that time. Together with Campei di Cima, it was part of a well-functioning system called “malga”, where people were self-sufficient and could provide for themselves. It originally belonged to the Andreoli family, coming from Armo in Valvestino.
The Andreolis were herdsmen. During the XVI° century they moved to Gargnano Mount, in a village called S. Maria di Navazzo, where they bred cows and used to make their own milk derived products.
In 1602 they built in their malga in Campei di Cima a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary of the Snow, where to these days – on the 5th of August – Madonna is celebrated.
The village was rebuilt by the Gruppo Alpini di Salò who is taking care of it.
In the fields rye, potatoes and barley are cultivated; autochthonuos fruits are seasonally collected; cows and even goats are bred.
In the Seventies the sanctuary was bought by Ersaf – Ente Regionale per I Servizi all'Agricoltura e alle Foreste – and the malga was abandoned. In the Eighties more was added.
Where to find it
Campei di Fondo Sanctuary is located in the heart of the Alto Garda Park, about 14 km from Toscolano-Maderno (Garda Lake) and 20 km from Idro Lake.
It belongs to “the Land between the two lakes”, Valley of Campiglio (altitude 780mt), on the wild side of the Park rich in autochthonous flora&fauna.
“I protect and guard this place as my precious home. I personally take care of it and built it as I wanted it to look like. It's my personal sanctuary and I like to share it with people who can appreciate it as much as I do. I only ask for the same kind of respect and love”.
Giovanni Zambiasi
A completely eco-friendly place !
The Sanctuary make over was designed for a maximum energetic and water saving in order to protect the territory.
To make your reservation you can fill out the form, call us or write to us on WhatsApp
We are open from 7:30 am alle 10.00 pm
