Trafoi

Trafoi is a municipality in the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy, situated about 12 kilometres west of Bolzano. The town covers an area of roughly 43 square kilometres and lies on the right bank of the Fella River. As of the last census, its population was approximately 3,200 residents, most of whom are German-speaking but also include Italian and Ladin minorities.

The first documented mention of Trafoi dates to the 12th century, when it was part of the large imperial estates of the Holy Roman Empire. Over the centuries, the village grew as a center of agriculture, particularly viticulture, under the influence of local noble families such as the Counts of Tirol and later the Graziani. In the 19th century, Trafoi joined the newly formed province of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Wine production remains a pillar of the local economy, with Trafoi’s vineyards producing notable white varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Riesling, as well as red wines like Dornfelder. In addition to viticulture, the town benefits from horticulture and small-scale livestock farming. Tourism also contributes to the economy, especially during the summer months when visitors come for hiking, cycling, and wine tasting.

Trafoi possesses several sites of cultural and historical interest. The parish church of St. Vitus, dating from the 16th century, houses a collection of 17th‑century frescoes and a noteworthy organ. The Museo d'Arte e Storia di Trafoi preserves medieval artifacts, agricultural tools, and documents related to the town’s long history. The local museum also hosts exhibitions on the region’s wine-making traditions. The town’s balanced mix of heritage, natural beauty, and agricultural vitality makes Trafoi a representative example of South Tyrolean rural communities.