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.
Today's Parish Church in Tscherms/Cermes was consecrated in 1270. The church tower still dates from this period, whilst the church itself was rebuilt in 1928/29 and furnished with altars and murals.
Holy Mass:
Saturday at 18.30 (in summer at 19.00) in german language
Sunday at 9.00 in german language
Parish Church with a valuable crucifix by Michael Pacher and an organ, built in 1983 by Mathis, the biggest in South Tyrol.
Holy Mass: Mondays and Fridays at 8:00 a.m.,
Evening Holy Mass: 6:00 p.m.
Sundays and holidays at 08:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (in Italian) and at 6:00 p.m.
All Holy Masses are held in German, except where indicated differently.
The Joseph chapel at the 'Moartalalmwiese' (Moar Valley alpine meadow) was built in 1897 by the Association for Alpine Hotels. In the summer of the years prior to World War I, a mass was held there every day. For this reason, the management of the 'Grand Hotel Carezza' employed a hotel chaplain. In 1976, the parish of Nova Levante bought the chapel. Thereafter, the little church was renovated and extended. Today, it offers space for 200 people. The renovated chapel was consecrated on the 18th June 1983.
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 5 chapels (1519) representing scenes from the Passion of Christ. Together with the former "Görz" chapel in the parish church and the circular chapel in Lerschach, they form the so-called "Calvary Mountain" pilgrim road. The chapel was built to commemorate the fallen in the war against the Republic of Venice.
An unique group of holy buildings is standing on Mount Calvary, also called Kofel/Colle at Kastelruth/Castelrotto. From the village a path leads among porphyry rocks and beautiful nature. Several chapels line the pilgrimage, which ends at the Roman tower. The seven chapels show pictures of Jesus and his mother, the Mount of Olives, the scourging, crowning with thorns and the handwashing and the Entombment. (Nice walk - 20 minutes)
The Roman Catholic Church of the Congregatio Jesu in Brixen is consecrated to St. Joseph. The classicist building was owned by the Order of the English Misses until it was taken over by the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol in 2011.
The classicist façade is simple and is divided by four pilasters. These are crowned by a triangular gable. Above the rectangular portal there is a round-arched window.
In addition to stucco work by Franz Singer, there is a high altarpiece inside the church depicting the death of St. Joseph. It was probably painted around 1770 by Josef Anton Zoller for the parish church in Schmirn. To the left and right of it are the figures of St. Joachim and St. Anna. On the left side altar is the painting of St. Philomena by Gebhard Flatz (1870), on the right side altar the communion of St. Antonius by Jakob Fink (1846) is shown. In the choir there is a ceiling painting with the representation of Jesus in the temple by Josef Mühlmann (1854). The other paintings and the neo-baroque decorative painting are by Johann Matthias Peskoller (1904).
The unique tabernacle is particularly interesting: the Cross is made from a grapevine. The key can be collected at the nearby Gasthof Lamm.
The first written documentation referring to this church appears at the end of the 14th century. From this era, the bell tower remains today, with its double-mullioned windows surmounted by triple-mullioned windows and frescoes on the façade representing the saints Anne, Catherine and Margaret, Christopher with the baby Jesus, and St. Michael, to whom the church is dedicated. In 1672, the church was restored, supplied with a barrel vault, and supplemented with a new chancel, side altar, and sacristy. Particularly rich are the decorations of the choir stalls: The scenes depicted on the parapet stem from the 17th century and represent the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, the Adoration of the Magi, the circumcision of Jesus, the flight from Egypt, and the Massacre of the Innocents. The busts painted on the lower part of the choir stalls represent the twelve Apostles and date back to the 18th century. The interior of the church is bare due to the theft of the furnishings and sacred images in 1969. The stolen original altarpiece was replaced by a representation of St. Michael fighting evil.
Built in the early 19th century in the neo-Romanesque style on the foundations of the medieval church. The tower and chancel date from the period around 1500. The picture of the three kings by Bartlmä Dill Riemenschneider, the son of the famous woodcarver, (dated 1541) is worth seeing. Close to the church, the local cemetery and remains of the medieval Burgstall castle are also of interest.
Holy Mass:
Saturday at 18.30 (in summer at 19.00, Sunday at 10.00 (alternately in german and italian language).
The chapel in Patscheid was probably built in the 17th century. It is a small building with a ridge turret and a bell from 1914. Inside the chapel hangs a panel painted on wood, depicting a picture of Mary with the saints Joseph and Anna.
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
Most of the sacred buildings are bound on legends, like the parish church in Sorafurcia. A bear shall have attacked the Arndt farmer whereon he built a church.
Set on the left bank of the Passer River, just outside Merano’s historic center, the Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit stands as a quiet monument to medieval compassion and Gothic artistry. Founded in 1271 by Count Meinhard II of Tyrol and his wife Elisabeth of Bavaria, the church – together with the adjoining hospital – once offered shelter and care to the poor, the sick, and passing pilgrims. The original church was destroyed in 1419 by a catastrophic flood caused by the sudden outburst of Kummersee – a mountain lake whose name translates to “Lake of Sorrow”, reflecting the devastation it brought through repeated floods. The lake had formed in 1401 in the upper Passeiertal Valley due to a landslide and triggered eight major floods over the years before it eventually dried up in 1774.
The reconstruction of the Hospital Church was carried out under the rule of Duke Sigismund of Austria, known as "Rich in Coin", and the new building was consecrated in 1483. Today, it ranks among the most important examples of late Gothic architecture in South Tyrol and has been a protected monument since 1949. Architecturally, the church captivates with its rare three-aisled hall design and a decagonal chancel that spans the full width of the building – an architectural feature seldom seen in the region. The main portal is adorned with a tympanum depicting the Holy Trinity, flanked by sculptures of the church’s founders.
Inside, visitors will find a wealth of artistic treasures: a Baroque Pentecost altar by Franz Xaver Pendl, flanked by late Gothic winged reliefs by Jörg Lederer. The Stations of the Cross, executed in the Flemish style, were painted by Benedikt Schinle. On the southern exterior wall, a well-preserved fresco of the Crucifixion by Ambrosius Gander (1450) bears witness to the building’s long-standing devotional role.
More than a sacred space, the Hospital Church is a historical time capsule – offering insight into Merano’s medieval healthcare, the impact of natural disasters, and the resilience of its citizens. It is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history, art, or architecture.
Masses (in Italian only) Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Holiday eves: 6:30 p.m. Holidays: 11:00 a.m.
These two chapels were build in the 17th century by Georg Paprion, a San Candido/Innichen resident. After his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1653 he decided to recreate the Sepulchral Church of Jesus Christ. 20 years before he had already built the first chapel.
opening times:
during the winter season: closed
01.06. - 30.06.2024: SAT - SUN 10 am - 12 pm & 4 pm -6 pm
04.07. - 08.09.2024: THU - SUN 10 am - 12 pm & 4 pm -6 pm
14.09. - 13.10.2024: SAT - SUN 10 am - 12 pm & 4 pm -6 pm
Popular wisdom says that the church square, which offers many beautiful views, was once home to one of the oldest baptisteries in the area. Today, the Parish Church stands on an even older site dating back to the pre-romanesque period (lombard-carolingian style) and is one of the rare examples of a cross-domed church with central nave and side naves.
In 1287 Count Meinhard II of Tyrol transferred the patronage to the Cistercian monastery of Stams in the Oberinntal valley. St. Peter is still under the pastoral care of the monastery today. Under Meinhard, the lombard-carolingian church underwent a thorough reconfiguration; further modifications were made in the Gothic period. The church is rich in precious Romanesque and Gothic frescoes. The southern side nave has an especially well-preserved half-length portrait of St. Paul dating back to the 11th century.
The Christkönigskirche church, also known as the new parish church, was built between 1961 and 1963. The church has a flat-ceiling nave with a separate altar area. The two stained glass windows are by Heiner Gschwendt from Klausen/Chiusa, the church organ, consecrated in 1987, is by Andrea Zeni, and all other works of art connected with the church, including the granite fountain in front of the church and the statue of the Archangel Michael made of Lasa marble housed in a niche on the church square, are by the famous artist Friedrich Gurschler (1923-2020†).
Friedrich Gurschler was born in February 1923 on a farm near Unsere Frau/Madonna di Senales in Schnalstal Valley and is an honorary citizen of Partschins/Parcines.
The late Gothic church of Colfosco, with the Sella Massif in the background, is a popular photo motif of the Dolomites.
The parish church of St. Vigil was first mentioned in 1419. In the following years it was restored and expanded several times.
Particularly interesting are the neo-Gothic lobby on the outer facade with a grooved and beveled pointed arch portal, the bulbous spire and the church altar. This dates from the late 19th century and is from the local artist Johann Valentin - Badia. In the middle niche of the altar there is an 18th century picture of the Virgin Mary and on the sides there are the statues of St. Vigilius and St. Kassian. For safety reasons, the valuable statue of St. Vigilius has been replaced with a copy.
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).
Paul Troger, born in Welsberg in 1698, is among the great masters of Austrian Baroque painting. His signature “Troger Blue” remains iconic. In the Parish Church of St. Margareth, he gifted his hometown three major works (1738–1739): the main altarpiece and two side altar paintings depicting St. Margareth, St. George, St. Ulrich, the Apostles Peter and Paul, and the Adoration of the Magi. Another painting, “St. Jude Thaddeus,” can be viewed in the Raiffeisen Bank.
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.
Located on the left bank of the Adige River in the direction of Val Venosta (Vinschgau) valley, there is an accumulation of rubble from Plars. The villages of Plars di Mezzo (Mitterplars) and Plars di Sopra (Oberplars) are found here, as well as the beautiful Late Gothic Church Sant'Ulrico, surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The church was first documented in 1493, although it was most likely built even earlier. At the time, the church belonged to the Bavarian monastery of St. Mang in Füssen. The external frescoes on the southern side of the church are particularly worth visiting.
The Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul – A Testament to History and Faith
The Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul, formerly known as the Church of Saint Nicholas, is a significant cultural and religious landmark deeply rooted in the history of Parcines. Its first documented mention dates back to 1264, though its origins are even older. Around 1502, the church was renovated in late Gothic style, giving it the distinctive character it retains to this day.
The Origins of the Church of Saint Nicholas
The original church, built around the 10th century, was constructed on the foundations of a small early Christian chapel. This chapel was oriented east-west and built in Romanesque style with square marble blocks. It was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, venerated as the patron saint of sailors and merchants. The oldest parts of this structure now serve as a crypt and mortuary. The current sacristy, dating back to the 14th century, is another surviving element of the historical building.
Expansions and Transformations Over the Centuries
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the church underwent significant expansion to accommodate a growing community. In the 18th century, new monumental altars were added, forming the artistic and spiritual centerpiece of the church. The high altar is an impressive depiction of saints: Saint Nicholas is shown at the top, with Peter and Paul below him. On the sides, statues of Saint Valentine and Saint Vigilius complete the ensemble.
The side altars are dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sorrowful Mother, reflecting the community's deep Marian devotion. The majestic pulpit, a relatively recent addition, was installed only about 110 years ago and blends harmoniously with the church's historical setting.
The Chapel of Our Lady and Its Artistic Treasures
Particularly noteworthy is the side chapel dedicated to Our Lady, known as "Our Blessed Lady," built around 1350. Inside, it houses the magnificent Marian altar, symbolizing the beauty and reverence of Marian devotion. Another treasure of the chapel is the angel from the plague altar, a symbol of hope and healing in times of hardship.
An extraordinary masterpiece is the sculpture group of the Death of the Virgin by Jörg Lederer († 1550) of Kaufbeuren. This valuable artwork, preserved in the presbytery, is the only surviving element of the original late Gothic high altar. The meticulous attention to detail and emotional expression of the figures make it an outstanding example of late Gothic art.
The new-Gothic parish church in Scena was built between 1914 and 1931. The old church was continuously found to be too small and it was necessary to construct a more spacious building. The vicinity to the school, the old people’s home, the sexton’s quarters and the widows’ accommodation ensured the central location of the church. After several heated meetings about the planning and actual location, the design of the Vienna architect Eduard Hütter was welcomed and approved. However, in 1915 the building work was stopped due to the start of World War I and only recommenced in 1926 because of the political changes, which had occurred in South Tyrol. The altar area is decorated with the statues of the twelve apostles. The fourteen 14 carved cross stations by Johann Muhry are incredibly impressive. The glass windows come from the Tyrolean glass painting company in Innsbruck. At the side walls of the main church area, the statues of Sains Vigilius, the bishop of Trent, as well as one of Christ King, the blessed Heinrich of Bozen, Saint Nicolas of the Flüe, the apostle Philipp, the evangelist John, the Bishop Valentine and the blessed Josef Freinademetz are found on pedestals. At the back wall, the Baroque figure of Saint Michael takes pride of place. He is presented as a young knight with a flaming sword. This statue previously stood in the Michaels chapel, which was demolished before starting the new parish church building. The new organ was built by Franz Zanin from Udine in 1993 and its cover was artfully designed by Herbert Schönweger from Meran. It consists of 32 registers, the major organ part, the back positive and pedal, as well as 2,744 pipes. Both churches were consecrated to Mary, the mother of God and she is celebrated each year on 15th August. The church tower is 35 metres high and contains seven bells. The smallest one is the Zügen bell, which is struck just after someone in the parish dies. On Sundays and bank holidays, as well as other festivities and occasions such as the Ave Maria, the church bells are rung. For the twelve o’clock ring, the ring for the end of the working day, the ring for bad weather approaching, for weddings, baptisms etc, (the little bell, the second one, the third one, the eleventh one, the twelfth one and the large bell) are sounded. All six bells are only rung together for important festivities. The church is surrounded by well-cared for graves, which are decorated with flowers. The measurements of the graves were standardised in 1972 and at that time, the graveyard was redesigned. It is truly an honourable place for the dead. In between the graves, a simple monument remembers the 108 fallen soldiers in both World Wars.
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.
The church of St. John in Tschötsch (mentioned in 1406) was built from granite blocks of Brixen.On the façade St. Christophan reminds old transitions in the low mountain range. Slight stucco on the inside of the church reveals renovations in the Baroque period, from that time dates also the fresco of the baptism of Christ in the vault (Joseph Anton Zoller, 1763).During the World War, the church withstands some bombs, which were thought for the near bridge of the village of Albeins.
The small chapel was built in 1867 and consecrated in honour of the picture of grace Maria Hilf in Innsbruck. In the chapel there are sculptures of Peter and Paul, Isidor and Hubertus. The chapel was last renovated in 1994.
An inscription refers to the first consecration of the church in 1199. The nave has a flat ceiling and is equipped with oylets. The choir has a semi-circular, vaulted apse with a Majestas representation and two well-preserved Evangelist symbols. There are traces of frescoes dating back to the 13th century. To the south of the triumphal arch appear the victims of Cain and the upper body of a fish-tailed siren. The head with long hair, the thoughtful expression and the gestures of the arms give the depiction a uniquely melancholic appearance, which contrasts significantly with the image of the demonic element in the other wall paintings.
The Church of S. Nicolaus is open from 15.04.2025 - 07.10.2025 every Tuesday at 2 pm for the guided tours in German and Italian language (3,00 € per Person, no registration needed).
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