Kerken en kloosters

Emma Hellensteiner (23 April 1818 - 9 March 1904)

Emma Hellenstainer was a charismatic host, an excellent cook and a pioneer for tourism in the Alpine region. The “Schwarzer Adler” (Black Eagle), as the Hotel Emma was known then, became known far beyond the country’s borders. Her charm captivated guests from all over the world. Visitors from Germany, Great Britain, Italy - they all came to Villabassa because of the beautiful local landscape, but mainly because of Emma and her engaging personality.

The peasant chapel at the Pfaffinger (near the court Linde) is a modest building and was built in the 19th century.

Church of St. Jakob and St. Leonard: the first reference to the church comes from a 14th century document. 

The bell tower is in gothic style while the inside of the church is in rococò style. The interior paintings are the work of M. Günther, executed in 1778, and make this church the most significant rococò monument in Ladinia.

The San Valentino Church The San Valentino Church was built in 1825 at Bagni di Moso / Bad Moos. The chapel was constructed in 1925 by Valentin Wassermann for bathing guests. In 1980 the chapel was renovated.

The church of San Silvestro/Wahlen is devoted to St.Nicolas, patron saint against flooding and avalanches. The church was bulit in the 16th century. 

A church in Wahlen was first mentioned in a document around 1258. Certainly in the 15th century, but probably already in the 14th century, there was a little church dedicated to St. Nicholas in Wahlen. According to the inscription on the choir vault, the Gothic church of St. Nicholas in Wahlen with its rich net vault and beautiful portals was newly built in 1512 by the master builder Andre Firtaler from San Candido.                                          

Josef Runggaldier commissioned this parish in 1900 to honour St. Joseph as a sign of his gratitude after having survived an accident whilst working in the woods. A painting inside the church depicts the episode. The extension project was stopped in 1979. However, a new church was started in 1981 and consecrated in 1984.

The Collegiate Church in San Candido is one of the most beautiful sacral buildings in Roman style in the Eastern Alps. The Collegiate Church was constructed around 1143 when the Benedictine Convent of San Candido founded in the 8th century by Duke Tassilo from Bavaria III was transformed into a Collegiate Church. The Church assumed its present appearance around 1280, while the bell tower dates back to between 1320 and 1326. The monumental walls recall the style of the fortresses favoured by the crusaders and the many castles built in the days of the Hohenstaufen. Also the church was meant to be a fortress of God. Worth seeing are the monumental Roman fresco, the special crucifixion group, and the crypt.

The cathedral of Brixen/Bressanone is one of the most important sacred buildings along the Alpine area. Its origins go back to the year 980 AD. Due to a major fire in the 12th century, it was redesigned in romanesque style with a three-aisled nave and two façade towers. In the 18th century the baroque reconstruction took place, to which the cathedral owes its present appearance. Inside, the baroque idea of triumph was brought to perfection with wonderful ceiling paintings (f.ex. in Paul Troger's Adoration of the Lamb). The cathedral has a valuable interior with 33 different types of marble. The high altar, which was completed by Tehodor Benedetti, is one of the most important baroque altars in Tyrol. In addition, this church was equipped with a magnificent organ.

In 2022, on the initiative of the meditation group of La Val, and under the direction of labyrinth expert Gernot Candolini, a labyrinth was built in the centre of the area occupied by the former church of San Genesio. It is a simple Gothic labyrinth, consisting of five paths traced with brook stones. Many things here in Dlijia vedla remind us of the transience of life: the remains of the old church walls, the abandoned cemetery.

Memento mori - Memento vivere!

Everything passes quickly, and the moment never stops. So be present and aware, enjoy the view, feel the hope that lurks in life, let yourself be inspired and blessed by goodness and change.

"This place here is a place of power, you must make use of it" Dr. Karl Gruber, Regional Conservator

                                

Small alpine chapel on the alpine pasture of Rodengo and Luson and a nice place for a short rest.

The Mary's Ascension into Heaven Parish Church is located in Sarnthein / Sarentino Village. The church was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1309. The church tower is the oldest part, having been built in the 14th century. Other parts of the church were added or expanded over the years.

The parish church at Lana was built on the sites of a much older Romanesque church and consecrated in 1492. Of particular interest ist the Gothic altar by Hans Schnatterpeck. It has carved figures, some in life size; the altar reaches a height of 14.10 m; it is the largest Gothic altar in the whole Alpine area.

The parish church of Niederlana is among the most beautiful examples of South Tyrolean Late Gothic art. Its magnificent winged altar by Hans Schnatterpeck is known far beyond the borders of the country.

The Schnatterpeck altar is 14 m high and 7 m wide and is thus considered to be the largest winged altar in the Alps. It is carved from chestnut wood and elaborately gilded. The altarpiece was created at the beginning of the 16th century over a period of 8 years by the Swabian sculptor Hans Schnatterpeck and his journeyman. The altar was paid for by the citizens of Lana (approx. 800 people) themselves. Schnatterpeck received 1,600 Rhenish Gulden (i.e. the value of 3 farms) and 8 cartloads of wine.

The carved representation of biblical content contains a rare depiction of the Throne of Grace (God the Father holding the body of Christ on his lap), flanked by the life-sized statues of the apostles Peter and Paul. After carving, the altar was painted by Schnatterpeck and his journeyman and finally decorated with ducat gold. The altar was raised and consecrated around 1511 in the parish church of Niederlana and has never been removed, not even during the World Wars.

Holy Mass:
Friday at 19.00 in german language
Sunday at 10.00 in german language

Information and registration for groups:
until 19.05.2025 Mrs Gruber Ida - Mobile +39 333 434 259 6
From 20.05. contact Mr Edi Graber 349 2401340

The church is only open during guided tours!

During the fasting period, the altar remains closed!

The St. Benedikt church of Mals was ercted in the 8th century A.D. Its Carolingian frescoes are among the earliest murals in central Europe. Originally, St. Benedict's did not have a tower; this was probably only built in the 12th century and therefore appears somewhat oversized. 
Without doubt, however, the two portraits of the founders are the most interesting. They show the Bishop of Chur and a Franconian landlord in traditional costume. This portrait is unique in Europe, as there is no comparable representation anywhere else. 

Opening hours summer 21.04.2025 - 31.10.2025:
Open to the public: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 10:00 - 11:30 am
Guided tours: Monday, Wednesday at 14:00, Friday at 10:00 (only in German language)
Prices: € 1.80 per person; with guided tour € 3.00 per person
Registration not required 

Opening hours winter 07.12.2024 - 15.03.2025:
Open: Saturday at 10:00 am
Price: € 1.80 per person
Registration not required 

Guided tours only in German or Italian language (Info: +39 0473 831190)

The church is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The Parish Church of St. Nicholas stands as the spiritual heart of Merano, a distinguished masterpiece of late Gothic design. First mentioned in historical records in 1266, construction began in 1302, and the church was consecrated in its present form in 1465. Situated at the upper end of Laubengasse arcade – the historic main street of Merano – it ranks among the most significant examples of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in Tyrol.
Architecture & Interior: The church is a three-nave hall structure, crowned by a striking 78-meter bell tower that defines the city skyline. The west façade is adorned with a rose window, while the south wall features 15th-century frescoes depicting scenes such as Christ bearing the cross and the resurrection of Lazarus. Inside, visitors encounter a rich ensemble of sacred art: the high altar by Jakob Pirchstaller (1786–1788), flanked by neo-Gothic winged altars crafted by Dominikus Trenkwalder (1892).
The finely carved red sandstone pulpit, dating from the 15th century, is a focal point of the interior. The organ, originally built by Georg Hradetzky in 1973, has since been expanded and now features 40 registers.
Historical Significance: Originally a filial church of the Parish of Tyrol, St. Nicholas was elevated to a fully independent parish in 1657. The 19th century saw extensive restoration work, most notably under the direction of Viennese cathedral architect Friedrich von Schmidt between 1882 and 1898. The most recent comprehensive restoration was carried out between 1993 and 2000. Surrounding the church are numerous historic gravestones that provide insight into the city’s past. A detailed exploration of these monuments and their historical relevance can be found in the publication Die Grabmäler von St. Nikolaus (“The Gravestones and Memorials of St. Nicholas”).
Masses (in German only) Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sundays: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

A church of the village was already mentioned in a document of the 15th century.

The reconstructed building dates back to 1782. The exterior aspect of the building consists of clearly separated architectural parts, while the interior decoration presents a subdivision in pilasters.

St. Nicholas’s Church in Laces is a Romanesque church from the 14th century. Formerly it belonged to the monastery of Laces, now it belongs to the municipality of Laces. The remains of the frescoes by the southern front of the church, which portray the crucifixion of St. Nicholas and St. Christopher, are well worth a look.

Since 2017 it is exibition place of the menhir: the top and bottom parts as well parts of the left upper side of the 107 cm high, 77 cm wide and 12 cm thick stone are missing. It was probably originally located around where the current church stands on the hill and would thus have been visible from afar. As well as the iconic features common to all the male engraved stones from the Etsch valley group, such as scalloped belts, axes, daggers, clubs, bows, various decorative elements and fringed capes, elements are present that belong to the Lombardy group from Val Camonica and Valtellina, such as suns, deer and stylised male figure. Thus the Laces standing stone is great proof of the ancient connection of the Vinschgau and the Etsch valley and the valleys of north-eastern Lombardy.

The church is open daily from 09 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

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.

Without bigger difficulties one can recognise that this municipality matured after the parochial foundation of Eppan about 1147 to the richest Pfarre of South Tirol with headquarter in St Paul. She was fine so well-to-do on account of many noble inhabitants of this area who, as it was a custom, of course supported the church. After 1786 it was divided the Pfarre for the first time into Girlan (Girlan, Schreckbichl and Frangart) and St Paul (St Paul, Saint Michael, Montiggl, mountain, Missian, untermargin, Perdonig and Gaid). In 1921 this happened next time: The principal place of the municipality - Saint Michael - was appointed with Montiggl, Gand, Pigeno and southern half by Eppan/mountain to the new Pfarre Saint Michael. On account of the plentiful financial possibilities one began in 1484 with the construction of an especially nice church. The magnitudes of the untercatch were extensive, it lasted therefore also till 1533, until the church was ready. The tower, 86 m high, experienced his own history within the scope of the construction work. From the late 15th century up to the middle of the 17th century there lasted his construction. For this reason he also unites two architectural styles: While Under - and middle section are held in the Gothic style, the end with the onion dome visible far away in baroque kind forms. In his inside there are nine bells, the heaviest one of it weighs 5 tonnes and sounds in deep A. You pleasantly voluminous sound remind us of the fact that this "instrument of God" second largest is in the country. A solar clock from 1718, Funeraldenkmäler of the noble Firmian, Khuen, Thun, rests of Late-Gothic Seccomalereien... There is a lot to see at this place! Something else: The church of St Paul is the only church far and wide which is consecrated only to Holy Paulus. This is not so natural at all, because Paulus is always called in connection with Holy Peter...

The gothic Parish Church of S. Martino was mentioned for the first time in 1425. In 1778 the Church was rebuilt in baroque style with frescos from Johann Mitterwurzer. In 1906 the nave was remodeled with frescos from Heinrich Kluibenschedl.

The parish church of Steinegg|Collepietra is a special place where art, history and spirituality come together in an impressive way. 
First mentioned in 1322, the church, with its walls and works of art, tells of times gone by and living tradition. Originally dedicated to St Peter and St Jakobus, later only to St Peter, and today to St Peter and St Paul - the history of the patron saints reflects the development of this sacred building.

On entering the church, the pointed arch-shaped main portal catches the eye, with its star-shaped vault dating from the first half of the 15th century. The choir, as you see it today, was built around 1664 and impresses with its three-sided apse. A special highlight can be found in the choir: a small, artistic sandstone statue of St Peter.

The 35 metre high tower from the 15th century houses six bells that carry the sound of faith far into the valley. There is much to discover inside the church: The valuable Stations of the Cross date back to 1747 and the colourful frescoes, created by Karl Joh. Henrici in 1794, tell stories from the Bible and invite you to linger.

The works of art from modern times also fit harmoniously into the story: The sculptor Friedrich Gurschler created the altar, the baptismal font and the lectern, while H. Peter Fellin painted the impressive altarpiece depicting the Most Holy Trinity - with the Virgin of Protection, embedded in the mountain landscape of the Rosengarten|Catinaccio, Schlern|Sciliar and Steinegg|Collepietra.

Another highlight are the colourful stained glass windows, designed by Prof. Widmoser and masterfully realised by the artist Ulrike Peer Huber. The Stations of the Cross were carved by Jakob Oberhollenzer and the church patrons, St Peter and St Paul, were created by Matthias Resch from Steinegg.

In the basement of the church you will find the Museum Steinegg and the Chapel of the Resurrection - a quiet place for contemplation. The cemetery, which is one of the most beautiful in South Tyrol, impresses with its artistically forged crosses and radiates a special tranquillity.

Useful information:
The church is always open during the day and is barrier-free.
Masses are always held on Saturdays at 7.30 pm and on Sundays at 7.00 am and 10.00 am. 

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.

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.

Between the Antholz Nieder- und Mittertal stands next to the street the baroque chapel "Sießl". According to an inscription, the chapel Sießl was built in 1820 and renovated in 1886.

The church reaches back to the year 1437, but it might be fundamentally older. According to the legend the Church of Saint Bartholomäus is the oldest place of worship on Lajener area. The entrance, the stout tower with the shingle pyramid and the sound windows show obviously Romanesque features. The inside shows fresco remains in different places, in the past, the church was probably colored completely. The altar is kept in the late baroque style and represents Holy Mary with saints. There are the statues of holy Josef and holy Johannes between the columns. The sculptures at the left long house wall (Katharina and Barbara, Bartholomäus and a Bishop) are valuable, too. In addition, are worth mentioning the old baptismal font and the bell from 1580 (next to the altar). Between the church and the Mesnerhaus is a walnut tree, which is a splendid natural monument.

The church St. Georg in Antholz Mittertal was rebuilt in 1798 to today's baroque church. It is assumed that Antholz Mittertal had already a church in the year 1000.

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".

Chapel of St. Zyprian/S. Cipriano

The paintings on the outer wall of the 17th century represent the wonderful rescue of the "Platzliner" meadow. God father flashes out the clouds, the Saints Cipriano and Giustina protect the meadow and his flook with their coats. This painting shows that the colonization of Tires did not begin in today's centre, but in San Cipriano.

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

 

In 1726 a little church was dedicated to the miners of the “Pfunderer” mine. However, it was immediately too small so that today’s construction of the Early Baroque with choir and little tower was built in 1736. The secluded little church was expanded in 1934, though plundered and devastated in 1964. Until the First Wold War there had have been a weekly mass, initially Saturdays, since 1840 every Thursday. The cultural and historical altarpiece is a replica, the original altarpiece is located in the parish church to the St. Stephen. It shows the miners at work and around them the saints of the miners. (St. Daniel, evangelist John, Virgin Mother with the baby Jesus and her mother the saint Anne, as well as patron saint of the mines Barbara)