Culture & curiosités dans les Dolomites

The Armentara meadows, a natural biotope in which flora and fauna merge harmoniously, are a natural spectacle of rare beauty. By crossing soft mountain meadows, in summer you can admire rare orchids, silicate spruce trees, larch meadows, stone pine forests and more than 60 varieties of birds. The wide pastures are testament to the work of our farmers who have shaped the landscape respecting its delicate natural balance.

In winter the Armentara meadows are the idyllic location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Chapel of St. Helena is particularly impressive on account of its rich frescoes, a major work of the Bolzano school of painting from around 1400. Art historians state that these are closely related to the murals in the Parish Church of Terlano and the Church of St. Catherine in Aica by Fiè. The Niederthor crest on the triumphal arch strongly suggests that the painting of St. Helena – like that in Terlan – was commissioned by the noble Niederthor family. Concealed behind paint for a long time, the coat of arms was once more revealed in 1885 and fully restored in 1938.
The outer walls feature images of St. Helena, St. Christopher and a crucifixion group on the façade, while on the south wall towards the apse there are representations of Mary with the infant Jesus and the three Holy Virgins, Catherine, Barbara and Margaret.
Inside the church, vaulted frescoes in the nave show the four evangelists with their respective symbols, each with an excerpt from his gospel. In the apse Christ appears enthroned as judge, surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists. The series of the twelve apostles below was partially destroyed during a subsequent extension of the windows. The triumphal arch points in the direction of the nave to the story of Cain and Abel, while the intrados depicts scenes from the Creation. The side walls of the nave feature images from the life of the Mother of God and Jesus’s childhood: the Annunciation, the Visit of Mary to Elisabeth, Mary and Joseph, the Adoration of the Magi, the Presentation at the Temple and the Flight into Egypt. On the west wall opposite the altar are St. Helena, St. Sebastian, a proclamation and the Bishops Ulrich and Wolfgang.
The church is Romanesque in its basic features and probably goes back to the 12th century. The small, rough stone relief to the far right of the façade dates from the 14th century. In 1410 the church was re-consecrated following completion of the painting. In 1500 the tower was given its wide pointed-arch window; the deeper-lying, coupled round-arched windows were bricked up. The altar structure dates back to the first half of the 17th century; the altarpiece is signed “J. G. Plazer 1723”.
The Church of St. Helena stands, according to legend, on silver ore. An ancient tradition tells of mining activities in the immediate vicinity of the church: G. Innerebner lists the church hill below the prehistoric settlements as a probable place of worship and orientation.
A detailed description and interpretation of the frescoes appears in the colour guide “St. Helena near Nova Ponente” SB 21 (M. Frei).

The parish church of "Our Lady": the present church was consacrated in 1516.

Starting from the 19th century the interior decoration was adapted to the taste of the age. The exterior is simple. The Gothic altar was created by a workshop in Val Gardena, while the lateral altars present a marked style of the Tuscan Gothic.

Colz Castle, also called Rubatsch Residence, is a massive building, which boasts a curtain wall with four round towers and many embrasures.

The castle dates back to the year 1536, when Ferdinand I allowed Hans von Rubatsch to build himself a residence. At the end of the 16th century the castle entered into the possession of the Lords of Colz. In the course of time, the building served many functions, like the one of a poorhouse. Finally, it entered into the possession of a farmer’s family.

Colz Castle gained some popularity thanks to the knight Franz Wilhelm Prack zu Asch, also called “Gran Bracun“, who lived in the Ladin valleys between 1573 and 1581 and was known for his cruel but heroic battles.

Finally, Colz Castle was restored. Today it is private. 

This chapel in the hamlet "Rü" was built in 1973 and is dedicated to the Madonna of Lourdes.

This mountain hut, located at 2.096m next to the cable station Oberholz in Obereggen, Dolomites, contains a restaurant and is located with direct connection to the ski slope. The cantilevering structure grows out of the hill like a fallen tree with three main branches creating a symbiosis with the landscape. Each of them is facing towards the three most important surrounding mountains: Mendola, Corno Nero and Corno Bianco. At the end of the branches a large glass facade frames the surrounding mountains from the interior of the hut. The sloped roof shape of the glasses takes his inspiration from typical huts in the area, while the branching roof and complex structural interior expresses a new and contemporary interpretation of the classic mountain hut. The interior is defined by a complex curvilinear and visible wood structure that gradually fades into walls and creates so called “pockets” for intimacy. The entire hut is constructed with wood: structural elements and interior in spruce, the facade in larch, furniture in oak - all typical woods from the area.

The centre point of the First World War ski tour is the symbolic mountain of the era, Col di Lana. The 80 km (49 mi) tour takes you around this mountain. Throughout the tour, you will find traces of the war: artefacts from the war era, trenches running right through the rocks, parapet walks and forts.

In Alta Badia, you will start in Corvara and go to Campolongo Pass until you reach Arabba. Via Arabba and Porta Vescovo, you will reach Malga Ciapela/Marmolada. From here, you can take a detour to Marmolada Glacier (3,342 m / 10,964 ft). The lifts at Marmolada are included in the Dolomiti Superski pass.

Continue with the ski bus to Alleghe, where you can explore the runs of the Civetta ski area. The ski bus takes you from Pescul to the Fedare mountain hut at the Giau Pass.  From there a two-seater chairlift will take you to the forcella Croda Negra at the Croda Negra Pass. 

On the north side of the Forcella Negra the new Averau-Troi ski track brings you to the Col Gallina and to Passo Falzarego where you continue for Alta Badia with the Lagazuoi ski tour.

For the whole tour you need approximately 7 or 8 hours. Therefore, we recommend to take off in the early morning in order to finish the tour in time before the lifts close.

The tour can be done either clockwise or anti-clockwise, and in both cases there are sections in the ski bus, the ticket for which must be bought on board, as it is not included in the ski pass. The counter-clockwise route includes an atmospheric section of approx. 1.5 km in which skiers are pulled by a parade of Norse horses. 

One of the most spectacular descents of this tour is definitely the ski slope that from the top of Lagazuoi descends towards Armentarola in Alta Badia, the longest ski slope in the Dolomites.

The Deer Park “Sompunt”, between La Villa and Badia includes more than 7 hectares of meadows and forest where more than 30 species of deer and fallow deer live together in harmony.
The park can be easily reached by car, bus or by foot.

Starting from the hut “Paraciora” and following an easy marked path, you can admire these wild animals living in uncontaminated nature.
The path is approx. 1 km long.

The route is indicated by arrows and information boards on which you will find some information about the park and its majestic inhabitants. The trail is also suitable for trekking strollers.

• Every Tuesday from 1st July till 1st October from 10. 00 a.m. until 11.00 a.m. you can visit the Deer Park with the owner. The Meeting Point for this free visit is the “Paraciora” hut. The visit is free.

Our Park offers a playground for children and there are also ponies, donkeys, rabbits, ducks, chicken and goats to see.

This is where people, ideas and traditions come together to create village life. Whether for association meetings, creative workshops or cultural events - the clubhouse offers you inviting rooms to organise events and activities of the local associations.

Its central location in Kardaun|Cardano makes it easily accessible, and the functional rooms ensure that you feel at home straight away. At the same time, the building symbolises the cohesion and diversity of the local associations that make life in the region so lively.

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.

The cluster of wooden buildings of the forestry school lies within viewing distance of the former Grand Hotel Karersee, appearing modest in contrast. An extension was added onto two existing buildings. The elongated building with a pitched roof is linked to the older buildings via a wooden walkway with a pergola. Despite the traditional style of the building, clear contemporary architecture has been created here. Well-proportioned window frames and entrances are paired with the horizontal wooden slats of the facade. On the interior the walls are plastered white and add even more brightness to the room underneath the transparent roof construction. The silver colored construction of the steel stairs that connect both floors to the foyer is particularly elegant.

 

At the foot of the rocky walls of the "Grup dl Sela" or Sella Group, the most imposing massif of the Dolomites, you can admire the evocative “cascades de Pisciadú”. The waterfalls, which can be reached from Colfosco with an easy walk through a large clearing, are particularly impressive in spring when, thanks to the thaw, they are rich in water.

 

From the villages of Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, Badia, and La Val, the Armentarola/San Cassiano area (1,600 m) can be reached by ski or public transport. From there, a frequent and fast shuttle ski bus service (paid) takes you to Passo Falzarego (2,105 m). Passo Falzarego is also directly accessible by bus from Colfosco, Corvara, La Villa, and San Cassiano.

From the pass, the Lagazuoi cable car takes you to the summit of the mountain with the same name (2,800 m). Before starting your descent, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking 360° view of the Dolomite peaks, from the Tofane to the Marmolada and the Sella Group.

Slopes:
Lagazuoi: length - 3.5 km, elevation difference - 600 m
Armentarola: length - 7.5 km, elevation difference - 1130 m

Times:
Line taxi Armentarola - Passo Falzarego (approx. 10 km): 20 minutes
Lagazuoi cable car: approx. 30 minutes
Descent Lagazuoi - Sas Dlacia: approx. 30 minutes

Taxi Service

• Hotel Armentarola - Passo Falzarego (10.2 km): €8.00/person (min. €40.00)
• Capanna Alpina - Passo Falzarego (10.4 km): €8.00/person (min. €40.00)
• Capanna Alpina - Hotel Armentarola (2.5 km): €4.00/person (min. €20.00)

Contact: +39 0471 180000 (08:30-17:00)

Horse Tow

• Schedule: 09:30-16:00
• Rate: €4.00/person

The horse tow will not operate if the route is closed or in heavy snow conditions.

The parish church of Nova Ponente, a Gothic building dating from the 15th century, has an impressively beautiful sandstone cladding. The inscription in the choir vault gives its date of origin: the cornerstone was laid on 5 July 1455 by Pastor Johannes Steel. Below the inscription is the coat of arms of the Diocese of Trento with the eagle, along with that of the then Bishop Georg Hack with its thin branch, also chosen as the heraldic symbol of the municipality of Nova Ponente.

The building was completed in sections, as suggested by the differences in the foundations and the sandstone cladding. Construction work was not completed until 1498, with the church consecrated on 16 September of the same year. In order to imagine it in its pure and original form, the new sacristy at the northeast corner and the organ loft with its outside staircase must be ignored. The interior of the church was vastly improved by the most recent renovation in the summer of 1975. The two neo-Gothic altars date from 1900, with a new organ installed in 1976.

Of particular note in the church are the four old relief panels on the high altar, showing the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Presentation at the Temple and the Death of the Virgin. The panels are from a famous large triptych, created around 1420 by the Master Hans von Judenburg for Bolzano’s Parish Church, as was the group of the Visitation on the wall of the choir. The main figures on the high altar – Our Lady of the Rosary and the church’s two patron saints - are beautiful works by the Innsbruck sculptor Dominikus Trenkwalder from around 1900. The relief figures of St. Barbara and St. Catherine as well as the relief panel of the Visitation, also on the choir walls, date back to around 1500. The sandstone pulpit from the early 16th century is held by Karl Atz in his “History of Art from Tyrol and Vorarlberg” to be one of the most beautiful of its kind in the entire land.

Old relief medallions of the mysteries of the rosary are inserted into the neo-Gothic rosary altar; the altarpiece was created by Franz Unterberger. Franz Haider’s beautiful nativity figures can be seen at Christmastime on this altar: his figurines and statues of saints are to be found throughout the Reggelberg area and he was a long-time resident of Monte San Pietro. The bell tower is for the most part much older than the present-day church. It dates back to the Romanesque era; inside can clearly be seen two rows of coupled arched windows that were later walled up. The tower formerly belonged to the old parish church of St. Benedict, documented as early as 1265. Today’s cupola was added in 1793 after lightning badly damaged both the tower and the church roof.

Another special feature of the church is that the pews have brass plaques, some with a rune-like mark next to the occupant’s name. These are the old house and farm marks of Nova Ponente. Each farm would use its mark to identify tools, grain sacks, logs and the like that were offered for sale. Many such marks can also be seen painted with red ochre on the outer walls of the church, now faded on account of the wind and rain. The impressive war memorial (1967) on the northern wall of the cemetery is by the South Tyrolean sculptor Martin Rainer, who was in 1976 awarded the Walther von der Vogelweide prize.

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 circuit crosses the 4 Dolomite passes - Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena - and 5 famous resorts: Corvara and Colfosco in Alta Badia, Arabba, Canazei and Selva di Val Gardena. In 2020, the Sellaronda was awarded the title of 'Best Ski Tour' by the portal skiresort.de.
Alta Badia is the ideal starting point to begin the tour, which can be done clockwise or anticlockwise: either way, you will cross 40 km of beauty and enchantment, surrounded by the extraordinary Dolomite landscapes.
Clockwise the signs are orange, anticlockwise green. 
The slopes are suitable for skiers of average experience in good physical condition. For those who wish to do something more daring, there are some 'disgressions', such as the Gran Risa giant slalom slope in La Villa in Alta Badia or the Saslong descent in Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. 
To complete the Sellaronda, leave about 6 hours to complete the tour, allowing enough time for ascents, descents and breaks.

Some data:

• Total length: 40 km (lifts and slopes)
• Slopes: 26 km
• Ascent time on the lifts: approx. 2 hours - calculate that waiting times are possible
• Average duration of descents: approx. 1.5 hours

The area around the Lagazuoi mountain offers a combination of hiking, skiing, culture and world history, in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, the Dolomites. The mountains of the  Lagazuoi - 5 Torri area bear traces of one of the most tragic events of the twentieth century, the First World War.

Do not miss: in winter, at the end of an impressive 8.5 km descent, the most ecological taxi in the Alps awaits you. A heard of horses pulls the skiers from Sas Dlacia to the Armentarola ski lift to get back to the Skicarosello ski area which connects all the villages of Alta Badia.

The Sassongher mountain, 2665 m high, located on the south-eastern border of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, UNESCO World Heritage, is the mountain which most represents the town of Corvara. From its summit you can enjoy a 360° view of the Dolomites.

The imposing massif overlooking Corvara is particularly attractive seen from the Campolongo pass.

For some years now, a bench and a large wooden panel with the writing Corvara, have been on the first curves of the pass where there is a particularly beautiful viewpoint.

Locals and tourists love to sit here and admire this Dolomite giant. Sassongher makes the perfect subject for photos and the ideal backdrop for selfies.

Look very closely and you may be able to spot eye-catching rock formations – the Latemar Dolls frozen into stone according to the ancient legend. Walkers can explore the Labyrinth Trail leading directly up to the Latemar Towers into the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage.

"La Roda", the giant wooden bicycle, can be seen in the meadows at the finish area of the Maratona dles Dolomites cycle marathon. The artwork, created by a local artist in 2016 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the cycling marathon, has become a symbol of the passion for cycling that can be felt everywhere in Alta Badia.

Bicycle events in Alta Badia:

• Sellaronda Bike Day - 07.06.2025 and 13.09.2025
• Dolomites Bike Day - 21.06.2025 
• Maratona dles Dolomites - 06.07.2025

Along the slope from the Lagazuoi to the Capanna Alpina, you ski past a very particular natural phenomenon.
In winter, when everything freezes, wonderful ice-waterfalls form on this mountain. They are particular, because in summer water flows rarely at this point.
The waterfalls are very interesting for climbers.

Would you like to share the magic of the Armentara meadows with your loved ones back home? Why not do it in a romantic and old-fashioned way, by sending an illustrated postcard? We have prepared a special box in which we collect postcards that will be sent twice a year: with the first snowflakes and in early summer, with the first blossom. You don't even have to think about the postage stamp, we post it ourselves!

The Gran Risa slope is one of the most technical slopes in the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. With its gradient (average 36%) and curves, the Gran Risa represents a challenge even for the greatest champions. In fact, the greatest ski stars such as the unforgettable Alberto Tomba who celebrated some of his greatest successes or Ted Ligety, Michael von Grünigen, Bode Miller and Marcel Hirscher have met here in recent years.

The Gran Risa slope is one of the most technically demanding slopes on the alpine ski circuit. With an altitude difference of 448 m, a length of 1,255 m and a maximum gradient of 69%, it challenges the world's best skiers every year.

The start of the piste can be reached from La Villa with the Piz La Ila cable car and via the ski slopes on the Piz La Ila - Piz Sorega plateau.

The descent through the forest starts just below the junction of the black and red slopes of Piz La Ila and runs through the forest close to La Villa. Since the slope extends mostly north and long parts through the forest, it is in the shade for the entire day. This makes it particularly speedy and sometimes even icy.

After overcoming the steep slope at the start, a marked bend leads the descent into a steep, narrow gully. The descent then leads to a second change of direction to arrive at the finish.

If you want to follow the footsteps of the world's best skiers, such as Ingemar Stenmark, Mark Girardelli, Michael von Grünigen, Ted Ligety, Bode Miller, Marcel Hirscher and of course the most successful racer in Italy - Alberto Tomba, and try the Gran Risa, you should be a well-trained skier.

But it’s worth to try, the satisfaction will be great because Gran Risa means pure emotion and adrenaline!

Technical data of the slope

Start at:1.868 m (6128ft)
Finish at:1.420 m (4658ft)
Drop: 448 m (1469ft)
Length:1.255 m (4117ft)
Maximum slope: 69%
Average slope: 36%

Spectacular Dolomite peaks and legendary passes. Offering many fascinating options for nature lovers, epicures and athletes, the Sellaronda ranks among the most beautiful and popular tours in the Alps. Fabulous slopes and thrilling ski touring races in winter, legendary bicycle competitions and leisure tours with race bicycle and mountain bike in summer. Top-class events and individual excursions. The Sellaronda makes your dreams come true.

In the Alta Badia valley, in Corvara and Colfosco you are directly on the Sellaronda, in winter as well as in summer. Once you start, a varied day awaits, leading over a unique run crossing four Ladin valleys Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Arabba and Val di Fassa and you'll be sure to make special memories along the way. Above all, the Sellaronda tour is a pleasant, stress-free tour which combines beautiful downhill runs with gastronomical specialties.

 

The Santa Barbara church, built in the late Gothic style, was built in the 15th century on a panoramic hill just outside the village of La Val.

Historical evidence indicates that the church built in honor of Santa Barbara, patron saint of miners, is the work of the miners of Valparola, who worked the iron minerals extracted from Monte Pore.

The painting on the outside wall depictings a crucifixion in the open countryside and various mural paintings inside are of particular historical value.

The Santa Barbara church can be reached with just a half-hour walk from the village centre of La Val along the "Memento Vivere" meditation path, consisting of the stations "Birth", "Childhood", "Youth", "Adulthood" and "Old age".

The Alta Badia Valley, which spreads over 16 km in the southeastern part of Südtirol/Alto Adige, lies in a sunny basin surrounded by imposing Dolomite peaks and framed by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Puez - Odle Nature Park and the Fanes - Senes – Braies Nature Park.

The Puez-Odle natural park, measures 10,722 hectares and spreads across the municipalities of Corvara and Badia in Alta Badia, Ortisei, St Christina and Selva in Val Gardena as well as San Martino in Badia and Funes.

Part of the natural park are the mountains of the Odle group, the Pütia group and the high-plateau-like Puez group with the Sassongher mountain.

The Dolomite High Route no. 2, known as the "high route of legends" leads through the area of the Puez natural park.

From a geological perspective, Puez-Odle natural park is particularly interesting since all the rock strata typical of the Dolomites can be found here, such as Gröden limestone, Bellerophon strata, Wengen and St Cassian strata, Schlern dolomite, Raibler strata, Dachstein dolomite as well as Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks.

The Dolomite massif which splits off from the orographic core of the Sella and turns north in the Puez and Geisler group, has its outermost branch in the Peitlerkofel. Beyond that, the quartz foothills form the Lüsen caldera and the Plose elevation, whereas the Porphyr massif splits off from the Raschötz in the west.

This difference of geological structures result in this zone's diversity of shapes and landscapes. The grey and uniform Puez plateau's typical, tabular structure forms a contrast to the slim and bold shapes of the Cir and Geisler peaks, the Sassongher and the Peitlerkofel. This groups' sceneries are characterised by recessed, cliffy and austere shapes. Kilometre by kilometre, the eyes wander over deep solitude, a sort of moon landscape whose rough waves, grey pebble fields and white rock ledges which embody a harsh sterility.

The small highland area La Crusc/Santa Croce, located at the foot of the magnificent Santa Croce mountain, has always had a special place in the heart of the people of Val Badia.

A story that started many hundreds of years ago
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 origins of La Crusc as a place of pilgrimage were dated back to 1511, on the basis of documents from the period. Two parchements emerged, however, and pointed to an even 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 Leonard (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 legends surrounding the church

The building of the church
Many, many centuries ago, the inhabitants of Badia had planned to build a chapel on the “Col d’Anvi”. During the construction work however the workers kept injuring themselves on the wooden shavings. White birds collected the blood-spattered shavings and took them to the foot of the La Crusc/Santa Croce mountain. After a while the workers began to notice this and they followed the birds in order to find out where they were flying to with the shavings. Once they had arrived at the wonderful spot at the foot of the mighty Sas dla Crusc/Santa Croce, they were so impressed that they decided to build the church there.

The legend surrounding Ottwin, Count of Lurn
People in Badia like to relate how there used to be a hermit who lived at the foot of the Sas dla Crusc/Santa Croce. This hermit was no less a person than Ottwin, Count of Lurn and Pustrissa, or possibly his son Volkold, the founder of the Sonnenburg Monastery at the entrance of the Val Badia Valley. The legend tells how Ottwin had fallen into heresy during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Upon his return to his homeland in South Tyrol, he was unable to overcome the feelings of guilt over his lapse. He therefore decided to live as a hermit in a log hut under the crags of the Kreuzkofel and devote his life to prayer and penance.

Father Heinrich Videsott was born on July 3, 1912 in Mantana near Brunico and died on December 9, 1999 in La Val. Pastor Videsott particularly stood out for his spiritual charisma, his deep piety and great compassion. He showed an unlimited willingness to help and was an ambassador of the goodness and love of God.

The parish church Saint Catherine of Alexandria, mentioned in 1347 and consecrated in 1452, is the first church of Corvara. In the small church, built in late Gothic style, you can admire some admirable works of art.

For example, there are some frescoes and a winged altar dating back to 1520, the only well-preserved winged altar in Val Badia. The altar was realized by the workshop of Ruprecht Potsch and was restored in 1975. According to legend, the landscape paintings on the two panels of the altar are by the famous painter Titian, who was probably in Corvara for a short time. Art experts attribute the work to an artist from the so-called Danube School, Albrecht Altdorfer.

Around the church there is, as usual in our alpine area, the town cemetery.

Saint Joseph Freinademetz, the saint of Alta Badia, is the first South Tyrolean Saint.

Today, the hamlet of Oies is a much-visited place of pilgrimage, especially the birthplace of the missionary Josef Freinademetz, who belonged to the Society of the Divine Word. The Steyl missionary was born in 1852 and died of typhoid fever in China on 28 January 1908.

He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in Rome on 19 October 1975 and canonised on 5 October 2003.

The cellar of the Oies farm was converted into a chapel and decorated with works by the artists Kollreider from Lienz and Lois Irsara from Badia.