The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 set off a worldwide conflict that impacted all of Europe, including the tranquil Sesto Dolomites natural park in the Italian Alps. Amid the chaos, the Grand Hotel Wildbad, once famous for its thermal baths in San Candido, saw a significant decline as the war deterred its usual influx of guests.
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The healing properties of the thermal springs, known as Bagni, at San Candido were acknowledged long before the hotel existed. Records from 1586 mention these springs, and archaeological evidence indicates their importance as far back as the Illyrian and Roman eras. Coins and ruins from these ancient times suggest that the springs’ therapeutic benefits were recognized as early as the first century.
In the 16th century, Benedictine monks operated the baths, believing the waters to be holy. Over the centuries, tales of the magical waters spread widely, leading Hungarian physician Dr. Johann Schreiber to purchase the property in the 1850s.
A scientific analysis in 1869 revealed the spring water’s rich mineral content, surpassing other regional baths in quality. This discovery prompted Schreiber to establish a sanatorium, which quickly gained popularity. After multiple expansions, it eventually transformed into the opulent Grand Hotel Wildbad.
The hotel became a favored retreat for European nobility, including the Prussian and Austrian monarchies. Distinguished visitors such as Emperor Frederick III, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, and Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria frequented the hotel to enjoy the baths. One spring was even named the “Emperor” in honor of these royal patrons.
World War I marked a significant shift for the Grand Hotel Wildbad. The hotel was repurposed as a base for the Austrian military command. Post-war, the separation of South Tyrol from Austria made it difficult for former guests to access the baths. By the 1930s, the hotel was auctioned off and eventually abandoned, leaving behind the decaying remnants of its former grandeur. Despite its current state of disrepair, the ruins still reflect the luxurious era when the aristocracy and nobility visited this esteemed destination.
Know Before You Go
Access: The San Candido Thermal Baths are accessible on foot from San Candido town towards Sesto town. Alternatively, visitors can take a chairlift to Monte Baranci Hut and then hike downhill. Both routes are relatively easy and open in all seasons, except when snow makes walking unsafe.
The path to the baths offers a journey through history, where nature and past intertwine, recalling the glorious days when the Grand Hotel Wildbad was a symbol of luxury and nobility.