The legend of St Martin
A saint who left his mark on South Tyrol
The legend of St Martin tells the story of a Roman soldier who became famous for his charity. On a cold evening in the French town of Amiens, Saint Martin met a beggar who was frozen from the cold and shared his coat with him. That night, Christ appeared to him in a dream, dressed in the shared cloak – in thanks for his good deed. The legend of St Martin appears in many local traditions, including in South Tyrol, where many villages are named after the saint.
San Martino in Badia/ St. Martin in Thurn in the Ladin Gadertal valley, for example, is one such village. As is San Martino in Passiria/ St. Martin in Passeier and San Martino al Monte/ St. Martin im Kofel. This is no coincidence because St Martin has been a defining figure in the region for centuries – as can be seen from the place names, but also from the names of many churches and chapels. The values embodied by St Martin are also reflected in the village community. The people here maintain close social ties and uphold the tradition of hospitality that is an integral part of South Tyrolean culture.
