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Sightseeing in Vinschgau Valley

Laces

• S. Martino al Monte cable car; open all year. With its 120 inhabitants and the pilgrimage church „Zum Heiligen Martin“, S. Martino al Monte (1,740 m) is one of the most beautiful destinations in South Tyrol. The church was presumably erected over a heathen cave shrine.
  The current building, into which the cave is incorporated, was first mentioned in 1510. It is an ancient pilgrimage for farmers.
  The church is open from Easter until the end of October.
• Hospital Church of the Holy Ghost, a foundation by Heinrich von Annenberg. The winged altar by Jörg Lederer (1524) is decorated with artistic paintings at the rear. These paintings were most likely incorporated by Hans-Leonhard Schäuffelin.
  The Gothic portal in white marble is a masterpiece from Oswald Furter. Open all year.
  The key can be collected in the adjacent old people's home "Annaberg". Information on guided tours can be obtained from the Laces Tourism Association Phone: 0473/737030.
• Goldrain Castle origins from a Roman castle and was restructured by the Counts of Hendl in the 16th century. The castle is rich in marble masterpieces and shows gothic, renaissance and baroque style elements. Today, the castle hosts numerous cultural and musical events and is an important place for local and international educational activities.
  Visiting time and guided tours every Thursday upon prior booking in the Laces Tourism Association; Phone: 0473/737030.
• Obermontani Castle, Morter; built in 1228 by Albert III of Tyrol as defence against the Bishops of Chur. The original handwritten copy of the “Nibelungenlied” was found in this castle (now in the public record office in Berlin-Dahlem).
• S. Stefano Castle Chapel, Morter, is one of the most remarkable churches in South Tyrol. It contains frescoes from the 15th century from the Lombardy, Dutch and Bavarian schools.
  Visitations at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. upon prior appointment by phone (phone: 0473/742344 Peer Family).
• Church “Unsere Liebe Frau auf dem Bichl”: The cult stone, the Menhir, was found here in 1992. This 5,000 year old cult stone from marble dating back to the transition time between the stone and bronze ages, was discovered during the course of the restoration works and can now be visited in the church.
  Free entrance and guided tours every Monday starting from 21st of March until 31st of October at 3 p.m. (Easter and Pentecost at 10 a.m.).

Martello

• “Maria in der Schmelz“ Chapel: A nearby mine was mentioned as early as 1448. The chapel was built in 1711 by Count Hendl from Castelbello for his pages; the tower was built in 1856. In 1816 the church was sold and in 1839 the municipality donated two new bells.
  Today, on every 1st Sunday in July the patron’s day is celebrated in a solemn service in “St. Maria in der Schmelz”.
• Old Dam (Alte Staumauer) It is also referred to as the “Bau” (construction) by locals. After the big flood in 1891, the Austrian government was asked to give the people of Martello financial support, so that a dam could be built to prevent future water catastrophes.
  Thanks to this wall, which locks off the entrance to the valley, Martello was protected from another flood in 1894.
• National Park House “culturmartell”, Stelvio National Park’s visitor’s centre. At the centre of the National Park House is the exhibition on peasant culture and cultural landscapes. Open from 05.02. - 20.02. and from 26.03. - 03.04. Wed to Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. From 16.05.-31.10. Tue to Fri from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sat and Sun from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays!
  Guided tours for groups outside regular opening hours possible upon prior appointment. Information: Pone: 0473/745027