South Tyrol's churches and monasteries offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and religious heritage. From ancient Romanesque structures to charming mountain sanctuaries, each site boasts exquisite architecture, intricate frescoes, and serene surroundings. Whether it's the awe-inspiring Brixen Cathedral or the picturesque Novacella Abbey, these sacred places invite visitors to marvel at their historical significance and find moments of tranquility amidst South Tyrol's breathtaking landscapes.
The parish church "Maria Unbefleckte Empfängnis" in Gossensass/Colle Isarco was constructed based on the drafts of Franz de Paula Penz and consacrated in 1754.
The current parish church was dedicated in May 1967 after a 2-year construction phase. It is a modern church with a low aisle under a sharp, gabled roof. The parish tower (37 m high) is a testimony to the oldest building activity in the village. The foundation dates back to the 13th century. In 1741, it was renovated from the belfry upward. The tower was given its octagonal center and its onion dome in 1741.
The sanctuary of the holy San Martino was probably built over a pagan sanctuary caveand dates from the 16th century. The San Martino statue still stands in a natural cave to day - hence the only proper name of San Martino in Monte. From San Martino you enjoy a particularly and beautiful view of the valley and in the Ortler mountains.
You will soon find more information about the "Moarhansn"-Chapel here.
The present parish church, which we have before us is already the third church in Weißenbach/Rio Bianco. Already in the year 1000 stood near the present-day Kirchler-yard (hence the farm name), a small church, on a small level. However, this small church was a flood in 1336 not withstanding and was swept away.
The small church in St. Jakob got its actual shape in the 15th century. The Christophours – painting on the outer wall as well as several paintings of saints on the inside were made by an unknown master of Brixen of the 15th century. The altars are new Gothic.The church is locked for safety reasons, the keys are available at the nearby farm.
The little church of St. Nikolaus in the hamlet of Klerant (850m) dates from the early 15th century and impresses with its rich late gothic frescoes. Besides the depiction of the legends of St. Nicholas, the cycle of the Passion of Christ has been well preserved. The careful decoration of the Salvation Mirror comes from the Brixen school of painting of Master Leonhard (around 1470).
The parish church exhibits worth seeing works: the high altar from 1884, side altars from 1903, the pulpit from 1867 and the Queen of the Rosary from the Baroque period around 1700. A high artistic value has also the oil painting of Franz Sebald Unterberger which represents the St. Stephen, as well as the glass painting with the subject of the miners of Villandro in 1520.
According to a 6 m-long inscription preserved in the presbytery, this simple, rectangular church with round apse in the east, was consecrated on 12 May 1142. It was painted around 1210 with outstanding and historically important Romanesque frescoes, which, among other things, show the planned sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham against a mountain backdrop. After the incorporation of the tower in around 1380, the church was decorated with Gothic paintings inside and also externally on the south wall. A wooden statue of St. James from 1520 which was revamped in 1610, and two Baroque altars on the west wall, can also be seen. Below the church there is a shrine with simple but expressive pictures from the period around 1440.
The little church of the saint Mauritius in Sauders is situated to the south of the village centre. The church was mentioned the first time in an official document in 1406. Around 1670 the little church was converted in a baroque style. However, the church and some surrounding houses were burned to ashes by the French in 1793. Nowadays, the painting at the high altar represents the patron saint of the church. The key for a visit can be received at the “Winklerhof – farm”.
The gothic building Dates back to the befinning of the 15th century and houses the Teutonic order. The elegant building is well worth a visit for ist collection of coats of arms, mortuary shields, tombstones and flags of the members of the order dating back to the 16th and 19th century.
Churches that are dedicated to St. Peter are usually very old churches. For this reason it comes as no surprise that a Church of St. Peter was mentioned in the parish archive as long ago as 1305. The church of St. Peter in Mitterlana was built in its present form in 1680.
The church features elements of the Renaissance and Baroque periods in both its structure and elaborate furnishings. Alterations, renovations and additions took place between 1770 and 1776, in 1836, 1860, 1901/02 and in 1986.
Opinions differ as to its founding date and one legend has it that it was built by a knight. In 1376, the chruch and annex were taken over by the Monte Maria Abbey, but today only the ruins of the walls remain.
The Church of St. Ottilia was built in 1681 at the behest of Casper Perlinger. The Madonna and Baby Jesus can be seen on the large votive table together with Perlinger and his entire family. The church is of simple construction with an octagonal-shaped choir enclosure and barrel vault.
You will soon find more information about the St. Catherine’s Chapel and the manor house Gurten here.
This little church is located amindst the picturesque vineyards of the Santa Maddalena hills and it is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, patron saint of the wine-grower.
The church is worth visit for its precious frescoes. Each year on the 22nd of July a splendid festival takes place in Santa Maddalena, celebrating the saint Mary Magdalene.
The St Anthony’s Church in Collalbo dates from the 17th Century. This church, and also the one in Maria Assunta was built for the use of the summer visitors. Indeed this church should really not have built at all for the church in Longomoso is only a few minutes on foot from Collalbo. But the citizens of Bolzano took themselves to the Ritten court house and presented their case thus: „We need the church in Collalbo not only from our christian zeal and as a means of furthering the praise of God, but also as a comfort and benefit for our souls and as a convenience so that during the summer months it is easier for us to attend Mass more often.“
Maria Rast Chapel: the church can be found just outside the village, on the path of the same name. History: this is the first historical church building in the area. In 1874 Josef Vonstadl, the diocese architect designed the building, and it was built shortly after. The neo romantic style is clearly visible, the bell wall, cross vaulting, arched windows and much more. In the yard, if you look carefully, you will the mosaic Stations of the Cross made by the local artist Robert Scherer. Architectural style: this small church is a well-loved place of pilgrimage, even today. Marriages also take place here. Walking: a walk around this area is well worth it as it is not too strenuous. On longer walks from Girlan to St Michael, you can stop at this delightful little church.
Prösels Castle was built in 1200 by the masters of Völs, the noble servers of the bishop of Brixen. In the early 16th century, the head of the provincial government, Leonhard von Völs, turned the castle into a Renaissance residence. The castle as it looks today is almost entirely the work of Leonhard von Völs. In the year 1981, the company KURATORIUM SCHLOSS PRÖSELS Ltd. purchased the castle.
Discover the Rittersaal, the Pfeilersaal, Kaminzimmer ,the Castle chapel and many other rooms in the Renaissance castle on a guided tour. Special programmes are available for school groups and families.
In summer, Prösels Castle hosts numerous concerts in the castle courtyard or on the castle lawn and, in case of bad weather, in the Knights' Hall.
GUIDED TOURS SUMMER (01.05.-31.10.2025 | closed on Saturday):
German and Italian speaking visitors are taken by a guide, for all other visitors guided audio tours are offered in English and French. The castle can be visited only as part of the guided tours from May to October. For groups, guided tours are available on request all year round.
Fees:
From the pilgrimage church in Santa Maria, via several stations of the Cross, a meditation road (built in 1996) leads you to the oldest religious sanctum of the Alta Pusteria Valley: St. Peter am Kofl. It is said that the chapel was used as a refuge for some priests during the turmoil of the mass migrations from Aguntum (near Lienz in Eastern Tyrol). St. Peter am Kofl was first mentined in 1329 and later renovated in 1987.
The Capuchin monastery (since 1626) and the Capuchin Church are kept very simply, in line with the principles of the order. Continuing along the Dantestrasse, at the road junction to Dietenheim you will find one of the oldest and most beautiful shrines in Tyrol.
Holy Mass Sunday and ecclesiastical holidays at 08.00 am in German language and at 09.00 am in Italian language.
Mon - Fri: at 09.00 am in German language
The church is consecrated to St. Petrus and the earliest recorded mention of the building dates back to the start of the 13th century. The ceiling frescoes were painted by Christoph Brandstätter and combine with the interior of the church to produce a remarkable example of a room dating from the late Baroque or Classical period. Open all day long.
In 1220, the Church of San Giovanni/ St. Johann in Taufers was built as a Romanesque church in the shape of a cross. The fully frescoed groined vault depicts its Byzantine influence. It is worth seeing the Late Romanesque frescoes. Whole sections of the walls of the predecessor church from the 9th century were used to build the church.
Later, the church was used as a hospice church and served as a common room and sleeping place for pilgrims.
The church S. Johann in Taufers is open every day from 9.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m..
The church of St. Magdalene was first mentioned in 1394. The present-day late Gothic building dates back to 1492 and the interior is characterised by baroque elements. The paintings by the Ladin artist Johann M. Pescoller in the choir vault from 1928 are well worth seeing.
Important information on arrival:
The access road to the church is closed for cars (gate) and only accessible to residents. It is best to park at the "Putzen" car park shortly after the village St. Magdalena and walk to the church (approx. 30 min.).
The St. Proculus Church was probably built at the end of the 8th century to honor its patron saint, St. Proculus, Bishop of Verona. He is also venerated as the patron saint of animals and water. The murals inside the church are among the earliest examples of pre-Romanesque art in the Alpine region. One of the most famous depictions is 'The Saint on the Swing,' located on the south wall, which, according to legend, portrays his escape over the city walls of Verona. In addition, there are many other remarkable frescoes to discover within the church. The Proculus Museum offers in-depth information about the history of both the church and the village of Naturno.
The chapel near the court Burgfrieden on the western side of the valley is one of the youngest chapel in Rasun / Rasen. It is privately owned and belongs to the Burgfrieder farm.
The San Vigilio/St.Vigil church is dedicated to Saint Vigilio and was rebuilt in Rococo style between 1781 and 1782. The frescoes are from Matthäus Günther.
The appearance of the parish church to the hl. Pankratius is characterized by different architectural styles. A special highlight are the two gold reliefs.
To complete your subscription, open the email we just sent you and click on the confirmation link.
Can’t find it? Check your spam folder too.
