Churches and monasteries

The long aisle in the monastery is impressive, with its many votive plaques. Maria Weissenstein / Pietralba (1,520 meters above sea-level) is South Tyrol's most-important place of pilgrimage. It is among the most highly venerated religious sites in the entire province. This place of pilgrimage has been served by good roads from two directions for a couple of decades, now. The one road comes from the Eggen Valley, via Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente and Petersberg / Monte S. Pietro to Weissenstein/Pietralba. The other road ascends from the Etsch/Adige Valley, touches Aldein/Aldino, and ends in Weissenstein/Pietralba. The stream of pilgrims has increased markedly since the visit here by Pope John Paul II in July of 1988. This place of pilgrimage – including the church, the Pilgrims' House (built in 1897), the souvenir store, the inn (built in 1708), and the parking lot – is well-equipped not only for devout pilgrims, but also for the many hikers who stop by here. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

First mentioned in 1322, this parish church is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. The beautiful cemetery, which is beautifully cared for and decorated with artistically forged crosses, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in South Tyrol.he beautiful cemetery, which is beautifully cared for and decorated with artistically forged crosses, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in South Tyrol.

 

St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of miners, was held to be the protector of those in danger from water. In Eggen, it was believed that he protected the village against the raging waters of the Sam Brook and of the Gerold Brook. Until the curacy was built in 1681, Eggen was served by the parish of Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente. While St. Nicholas had the right to bury its dead parishioners as well as to read the Mass, since 1435, Eggen was ministered by a priest from Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente. With the establishment of the first curacy, this stopped, and in 1919, the curacy was elevated to the status of an independent parish. The church is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

This small church is located about 10 minutes walk from the town center in the upper part of Collepietra. The simple construction of the chapel was erected in 1797 presumably in thanksgiving to the Madonna for the victory in a battle against the French. Next to it is the particular column (Bildstock) "Weißes Bild" built in 1523.

 

 

The Chapel of St. Agatha stands on a wooded hill in complete seclusion and silence. It remains unknown why it exists in such a remote place. It is speculated that there was a prehistoric settlement on this site, while the legendary Kegelberg hill and old mining tunnels can be found nearby.
The building itself is of Romanesque origin, with the later extensive modifications showing ostensibly Gothic elements. The beautiful, stone-framed pointed-arch portal dates from that time, with its figurines of saints, grapevines and a zigzag band in the ogee, with a rod that ends to the left in a root and to the right in a shovel.
The church interior underwent major renovation in the 17th century: the simple sandstone pulpit and richly carved altar date back to that time. Sadly, the free-standing statues were stolen by art thieves. The altarpiece by Orazio Giovanelli, showing St. Agatha and St. Anne with Jesus and Mary, dates back to 1619. Remains of old murals can also be seen on the church. The façade probably shows St. Christopher with the infant Jesus and scenes from the life of the patron saint, while inside parts of a nativity scene are visible.
Location: Nova Ponente
Opening times: The church is closed; the key is kept at the Unterkofelhof farm and may be collected from there.
Tip: The Unterkofelhof is an attraction in its own right. The kitchen and basement possess fine old vaults, while a carved inscription allows the perfectly preserved panelling to be dated back to 1559. The building is much older: the Unterkofelhof is mentioned in 1332 in connection with the church.

The Peststöcklein of Steinegg|Collepietra stands directly on the old road from Steinegg|Collepietra to Bozen|Bolzano, about 2 km from Steinegg (25 minutes' walk). It is a tabernacle wayside shrine with a shingle roof from the second quarter of the 15th century. The pictures in the 4 shallow round arch niches show the crucifixion group on the front, the Annunciation of Mary with a St. Bishop on the left and St. Christopher on the right. The frescoes were restored several years ago.