Churches and monasteries

The Church Tower in the Lake
The symbol of Venosta Valley: the sumberged steeple in Resia lake.

The parish church of St. Peter was built according to the plans by Matthäus Wachter in the 18th century and was dedicated to the saints Peter and Paul. The late baroque frescoes were painted by Joseph Schöpf, one of the most eminent painters of Tyrol. The bell tower dates back to the year 1897.

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.

The church of apostle Peter is situated on the mountainside, surrounded by farms, trees and meadows.

10 meditational spots are found along the side of the path until you reach the "Franziskus and Klara" chapel, the ruin from the Toblburg Castle.

The church in Kematen in Taufers/Caminata di Tures was built on the end of the 13th century.

The church was built around 1400, especially the polygonal choir and the six-armed fan vault with an Agnus Die on the round keystone probably date from this time. The nave was covered with a simple star vault around 1500. The interior decoration is neo-Gothic. Only the Stations of the Cross and the statue of St. Wolfgang date from the Baroque period.

The church in St. Konstantin is the most impressive daughter church of Völs and offers Gothic splendor and unique architecture. Its tower with onion dome and charming pointed arch portals is unique. Inside, a beautiful painting of the church patron Constantine awaits you, lovingly recreated by H. Pescoller. From here you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Schlern.

The unique tabernacle is particularly interesting: the Cross is made from a grapevine. The key can be collected at the nearby Gasthof Lamm.

Many centuries ago, when Alta Badia was still largely uninhabited, La Crusc (Holy Cross) seems to have been a pagan place of worship. It was probably the unfavourable living conditions of the area that led the first Christians to construct a sanctuary here.

Around 1010 the monks built a chapel at La Crusc where a small church was erected in the 15th century. At the end of the 17th century the church was deconsecrated by the then Austrian Emperor and was subsequently left to decay. Pilgrims and valley dwellers rescued the little church by partially rebuilding it, and some years later in the middle of the 18th century it was enlarged and embellished with a bell tower.

For a long time the existence of La Crusc as a place of pilgrimage had been established on the basis of documents from the year 1511. And then two further parchment documents emerged with evidence pointing to an earlier existence. The first mentioned a church consecration; the second contained the story of “Morellus de Caninis” who made a pilgrimage to Rome in 1500 in order to seek favours for the La Crusc church.

Numerous relics are preserved in the altar of the church, such as those of St Leonhard (to whom the parish church of San Leonardo/Badia is dedicated), St Hippolitus, St Virgilius (Bishop of Salzburg), St Mary Magdalena, St Agnes and St Barbara.

Nowadays there are several processions to the church during the summer season, and there is an important service on the first Sunday in June.

The church contains a neo-Gothic altar. The cementery is the last home of the famous Alpinist Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell.

First documented mention of a church in Aldein was in 1309, according to excavations it was a Romanesque church with two apses. The masonry dates back to the 12th Century back. In the second half of the 15. cwntury a new church was built which was expanded to the west in 1841/42. A special feature is the pulpit, which is on the roof of Moses with the tablets of the law and above it the St. Spirit shows and the life-size statue of the Heart of Jesus.

The Maria Lourdes Chapel, located at the northern entrance of St. Valentin auf der Haide, is a modest place of devotion featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary in the Lourdes grotto. The chapel was built in 1891, consecrated in 1893, and in 2025 it was re-blessed following a thorough renovation. The construction was funded by a donation from Paula Prinoth. It stands directly by the state road and serves as a visible symbol of the community’s faith and local identity.

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 church to the St. Josef im Dörfl, in Muntaplair was built by Jakob Dietl and his mother Anna Lutzin at his own expense and consecrated on 10 October 1705 by Prince-Bishop Ulrich VII. The bell from the year 1798 had to be delivered on May 22, 1918 for war purposes. The pedestal of the altarpiece is decorated with floral patterns. The altar structure consists of two pillars. In the volute gable is a representation of the "Blessed Mother of the Good Council". The side statues represent the St. Martin and the St.. Florian. The altarpiece shows the St. Josef with angels and comes from Matthias Pussjäger. The little church was restored in 1964 at the instigation of the then pastor Alois Rainer to the primate of the priest born in the village Kassian Waldner. On the occasion of the 300th anniversary in 2004, at the suggestion of Pastor Anton Pfeifer, the little church was dehumidified outside and inside, and two windows were broken out to the right and left of the entrance. Three times a day, in the morning, at noon and in the evening there is a ringing and someone dies from the village, in the little church of the soul rose wreath is prayed.

The castle chapel is a very special place, home to artistic treasures and at the same time hiding a small secret.

During the restoration of the castle chapel, previously unknown inscriptions came to light, recalling dramatic events of the 17th century, in which a woman venerated as a saint played a key role.
Magnificent paintings from the 17th to the 19th century depict religious scenes, also providing clues about the owners of Schenna Castle.
The castle chapel is an active part of the religious life in Schenna and is used for various celebrations throughout the church year.

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 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 Romanesque St. Sisinius' Church is situated on a plateau above Lasa/Laas, the village of marble in South Tyrol. Its rare choir tower church was built on the ruins of a former building. Skeleton and clay fragments from the Bronze Age even prove the existence of a cult worship place. The hill’s many years of settlement are probably due to its location. Even today, visitors enjoy the wonderful view of the surrounding mountains that extend to the Laaser Ferner glacier.

The church itself was first mentioned in 1290 and is dedicated to the martyr Sisinius, who lived in the Nonsberg area of South Tyrol. Surrounded by a high asylum wall in a Romanesque herringbone pattern, the eastern wall has a Gothic pointed arch gate devoid of a gate wing. The choir is located in the tower, which is covered by a stone tower pyramid. The nave, on the other hand, has two round arched windows, a protruding triumphal arch and a portal made of pure Lasa marble.

The church has no sacral furniture and is closed. Guided tours are offered by Marmorplus on request T. +39 347 4095404

 

Chapel of San Salvatore at the Thermal Springs in Alta Pusteria This Chapel, regularly inhabited by a religious hermit until 1786, was consecrated in 1594. A small sanctuary had already been in place before this date. The altar most probably dates back to the 8th century. The area was probably even an area of worship from a pre-Christian age.
Accesible only by foot, aproximately 60 minutes from Innichen / San Candido

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 old parish church and the village of Graun were sacrificed for the sea stagnation in 1950. The new village was rebuilt in the fields of Margrond, and the church was much smaller in size than the new houses in Graun, planned by architect Erich Pattis from Bolzano.
The church is a simple hall construction with a wooden ceiling. In the back of the church, in the simple sanctuary, is the organ, in the foreground the apse with the image of Catherine of Alexandria on the side to which this church is also dedicated. The main picture, however, shows the Assumption of Mary into heaven, since in the year of the consecration of the Church, the Pope had proclaimed a Marian year.
The present parish church of Graun (foundation stone laying May 29, 1950, completion on 02.12.1951, consecration on May 18, 1954 by Bishop Josef Gargitter) was built together with the new village, but is much smaller than the old parish church.

in the late Gothic style, was inaugurated in 1521. It contains an exterior wall fresco (1600) of George a martyr. Inside there is a endowment founded 1596 altar in Renaissance form is depicting the holy family, the Annunciation, James, John the Baptist and St. Agnes. Be found on the predella of a representation of the founder HJ Khuen of Belasi together with his wife. Categories: culture, Sacred art.

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 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 origin of the church Saint Egidio in Mittelolang date back to the period of the High Middleage. According to an ancient parchmen Viktor Gatterer discovered at the beginning of XIX Century in the parish archive of Niederolang, the church could have be consacrated on the 1st September 1138 by the bischof of Briexn Rembert to the Holy Trinity, the Victorious Cross and to the disciple Egidio. One of the fourteen aukiliary saints, Egidio was evoked from shepherd and hunters to be wokshipped as patron saint of livestock and plauge.

The late gothic church in Oberolang was consecrated by Bishop Albertin in 1472. Around 1650 the church was renovated changed into baroque style. The actual appearance of the church is neo-Gothic (about 1900). Especially at the inside the church underwent a consistent change. In 1899/1900 architect Roman Picher took care of the renovation. The stoned glass was made in a Tyrolean Glass factory in Innsbruck. The wood work was completed by Jakob Veider from Niederrasen.

St. Jacob’s Church San Giacomo’s Church, dedicated to the patron saint of pilgrims and travellers, is traditionally known as the oldest church in Val Gardena: its origins date back to the 12th century. | It is located right above Ortisei, along the ancient path, “Troi Paian”. From Ortisei you can reach the idyllic , sunny hamlet comfortably by ski- or summer bus or by car. Here you are surrounded by nature and you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. After a 15-minute walk (slightly uphill) you will arrive to the San Giacomo Church. Alternatively, you can start from Ortisei and take a slightly sloping trail (Path of Dialogue), which takes you to the San Giacomo Church in about an hour. Another beautiful circular walk connects S. Cristina (Plesdinaz) with the church. The current overall appearance is Gothic, and the inside is part Gothic and part Baroque. The church features remarkable frescoes (late 15th century) in the presbytery. Wall paintings from the 16th century, illustrating the legend of San Giacomo (St. James), decorate the area near the pulpit. The local wood-carving tradition is represented in the main altar. Around 1750 the Vinazer-Pescosta brothers decorated it with spiral columns, gilded images of ancient church leaders, apostles and angels. The current sculptures and artwork on the main altar are replicas made by local carvers. The originals are on display at the Val Gardena Museum in Ortisei.

GUIDED TOURS to the church weekly in Winter and Summer. Reservation and more details at the Tourist Office Ortisei.

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.