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Sightseeing of Vinschgau Valley

Glorenza

• The village of Glorenza is a site in itself!
  The smallest town in the Alps with approx. 800 inhabitants is a Medieval border and commercial town. In 1304 it was first mentioned as a town.
  The town with circular walls, three imposing bastilles, a number of arbour towers and the many small alleys and corners provides a true jewel for South Tyrol. The character of this small town has almost remained unchanged since The Middle Age.
  Information and booking of city tours in all local tourism associations or in the Glorenza Information Office, Phone: 0473/737073.
• St. Jacob Church – Söles/Glorenza
  The church was first mentioned in 1220. This is the oldest Jacobs Church in Tyrol. In 1499 it was burned down by the Bündner (Switzerland) people after the battle at Calven. Around 1570 the late-gothic church was built. In 1799 it was burned down for the second time, this time by the French. It decayed into a ruin and was overgrown by bushes, only the vault remained intact.
  During the course of the reconstruction by the new owners, the Rizzi family from Laces, the inner church was examined by the Regional Monuments Office in 1993 and parts of a small predecessor church were found.
  The importance of these findings in Roman mural art reaches far beyond the regional border.
  Unique are the 3 fresco groups, which were reassembled from well preserved colour fragments and which can now be visited in the church.

Sluderno

• Churburg Castle (Phone: 0473/615241) – built in the 13th century and reconstructed to become one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful renaissance residences by the Counts of Trapp in the 16th century. Today, it is one of the best preserved castles. Worth a vistit is the largest private armoury collection in the world and the Nicolas Chapel with groin vault. Open from 20th of March to 31st of October.
  Guided tours, except Monday, daily between 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
• Val Venosta Museum. (Phone: 0473/615590) This museum offers two permanent exhibitions: “Archaic Venosta” (archaeology of a valley in the Magic Raetian Triangle) and "Wasser-Wosser" (traditional irrigation systems in the dry Venosta Valley).
  Opening times: 20. March to 31st of October from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Castelbello

• Kastelbell Castle - built in 1238 by the Masters of Montalban. In 1825 it burned town and was restructured afterwards. In 1949 the castle owned by the Hendl Family was taken into possession by the Italian government.
  Opening times: from Easter to 31st of October. Guided tours: from the middle of June to the end of September – Wednesday to Saturday at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sundays and bank holidays at 10.30 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  Information and booking in the Castelbello-Ciares Tourism Association. (Pone: 0473/737020)
• Juval Castle – was built by Hugo von Montalban in 1278 on a prehistoric site.
  Since 1983 the castle has provided the home for the renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who enriched the castle with several art collections: a comprehensive Tibetan collection, mountain photo gallery, a mask collection from 4 continents, and more.
  Guided tours from the 20th of March to the 29th of June and from the 1st of September to the start of November daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. (Phone: 348/4433871)

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 Houe “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

Malles & Burgusio

• S. Benedetto Church, a construction from the 8th century. The paintings and Carolingian frescoes inside the church are amongst the oldest in the entire German speaking area. The church holds the only portrait of a feudal lord in the world.
  Open every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from the 1st of May until the 30th of June from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. From 1st of July until the 31st of August open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Closed on Sundays. Open every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from the 1st of September until the 31th of October from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. From the 1st of November until the 30th of April 2006 open every Friday at 10 a.m.
  Groups upon request!
  Further information can be obtained in the Information Office in Malles (Phone: 0473/737070).
• Marienberg Abbey (Phone: 0473/831306, 39020 BURGUSIO) - the abbey of the Counts of Tarasp (Engadin) was founded around 1200. The oldest part of the abbey is the crypt, which holds Roman frescoes with Byzantine influences. Worth visiting is also the groin vault with angel figures.
  Guided tours: from 01.05.-30.06. Mon to Fri at 10.45 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sat at 10.45 a.m., from 01.07.-09.08. Mon to Fri at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sat at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. From 10.08.-31.08. Mon to Fri at 10.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., Sat at 10.30 a.m. From 01.09.-15.09. Mon to Fri at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sat at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. From 16.09-31.10. Mon to Fri at 10.45 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sat at 10.45 a.m. From 01.11.-30.04.
  Guided tours only upon prior appointment from 10 people upwards. No guided tours on Sundays or bank holidays.
• Hill of Tarces (Tartscher Bichl) - a unique round view of the wide valley basin. Walks in this area are enjoyable and regenerating during all seasons.
  Worth visiting is the S. Vito Church on the Hill of Tarces.
  Guided tours every Tuesday from the 12th of April to the 4th of October.
  Meeting point: Tarces Parish Church at 3 p.m.
  Booking until 6 p.m. on the day before.
  Further information can be obtained from the Information Office in Malles - Phone: 0473/737070.

Naturno

• Prokulus Church
  Definitifely worth a visit is the St. Prokulus Church at the village edge of Naturno. This is one of Tyrol’s oldest churches.
  Inside the church you can admire fascinating frescoes, which attract visitors from all over the world. Built in the 7th century in memory of Saint Prokulus - Bishop of Verona, who was honored as a patron for animals and water saint. The frescoes from this time (pre-carolingian era) count amongst the most renowned artistic treasures in Central Europe. Worth a visit are also the Gothic frescoes from the 14th century, which tell the history of creation.
• Prokulus Museum
  The recently opened Prokulus Museum, which was built beside the internationally known Prokulus Church, has been open for the public since May 2006.
  The completely subterrain museum brings 1,500 years of the history of the people of this region to life. Four space-time stations introduce the epoques of Late-Gothic, early Middle Age, Gothic and the time of the plague.
  The video projections explain four epoques in a demonstrative and easy to understand way. These films were realised with amateur actors from the community of Naturno and the surrounding areas who agreed to take part in this exciting project.
  The graveyards of the plague cemetery show the horrors of the plague. The museum further hosts the frescoes taken out from the church.
  Opening times Two weeks before Easter until the start of November.
  From Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  Phone/Fax +39 0473 673139.
• Tessa Group Nature Park House in Naturno
  Informational spot, which informs you about the Tessa Group Natural Park and about other South Tyrolean Natural Parks with pictures and text.
  Information: Phone: +39 0473 668201 or +39 0473 666077

Parcines, Rablá & Tel

• Typewriter Musuem
  This is something you should not miss when visiting Parcines. The museum was dedicated to the inventor of typewriters, Peter Mitterhofer, a carpenter, who was born in Parcines. The museum displays approximately 1,200 models. 900 of these are kept in an observed archive and can be viewed upon request only. The tyewriters originate from the years between 1864 (year of invention) and approx. 1980. The precious pieces give an insight into 100 years of history of this important utensil.
  TYPEWRITER MUSEUM
  39020 Parcines, Kirchplatz 10
  Phone: +39 0473 967581 - Fax +39 0473 965477
• Parcines Waterfall
  The Parcines Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the entire Alpine region. An imposing play of nature with medicinal climate, especially during the thawing period. Further information on the Parcines Waterfall can be found here.
• Residence Spauregg Castle, Parcines
  The residence dates back to the 12th century. It was inherited by Knight Franz Ferdinand von und zu Goldegg und Lindenburg in 1737 through marriage and has remained in the possession of his ancestors up to date. Various Mediterranean trees can be found in the castle’s garden, amongst which a yew, a cedar of Lebanon and a 150 year old, 45 m high sequoia.

Prato

• Montechiaro Castle Ruin, former defiant festivals of the Counts of Tyrol against the Bishop of Chur. The ruin dates back to the 13th century. Today, the picutre is dominated by the extensive palast and the well preserved round tower.
  In 1912 the frescoes of the castle were transferred to the Ferdinandeum Museum in Innsbruck, in order to prevent their forfeiture.
  Guided tours from Easter until the 30th of October every Wednesday at 10 a.m. (Advanced booking in the Prato Tourism Association Phone: 0473/737062).
• S. Giovanni Church, a blessing of 1281 attests that this is a construction with round apse and a flat ceiling in the nave. Along the northern nave wall you can admire remains of Roman frescoes and in the apse you will see paintings dating back to 1420. Guided tours available, further information can be obtained in the Prato Tourism Association; phone: 0473/737062.
• “acuaprad” National Park House is a visiting centre. The main focus of the exhibition is put on water. Visitors discover the so close, yet strange, world of fish in the mountains.
  Open all year, Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays.
  Further information can be obtained by phoning 0473/618212.

Ortles Area

• Three Holy Wells of Trafoi – this ancient source sanctuary at the head of the valley in Trafoi is located on 1,607 metres.
  The church was built in 1701 and can be reached after two kilometres on comfortable paths.
• Messner Mountain Museum Ortles, opened in 2004. It contains a collection of mountain picutes, which is probably unique in this world. The ice of the mountains is explained with the Ortles Mountains taken as an example.
  Open daily except Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guided tours for groups only upon appointment. Phone: 0473/613266
• The Tibetan yaks were settled in Solda by the extreme South Tyrolean alpinist Reinhold Messner. With their ragged fur and the imposing horns they always provide a popular picture motive for guests.
• Stelvio Pass Road (2,760 m) - constructed in 1822 in order to realise the shortest route between Veltlin and the Venosta valley. Today, the Stelvio Pass Road still counts among the most impressive mountain roads in the Alps.
  On the South Tyrolean side there is a difference in altitude of 1,870 m with 48 hairpin bends and on the Veltlin side, the difference in altitude is 1,530 m with 34 hairpin bends to manoeuvre.
• Passo Stelvio National Park was founded in 1935 in order to protect and improve the local fauna, to provide the fauna with a safe livelihood and to preserve and promote the special geological presence and the natural beauty of this area. Currently, the national park covers an area of 134,620 ha.
  Guided tours through the National Park offered, information in the Tourism Association: 0473/737062
• Passo Stelvio Summer Ski Resort – thanks to the glacier you can also ski in summer. From the beginning of June until the end of October you can enjoy snow adventures between 2,760 m and 3,450 m of height.
  The Stelvio Pass ski resort is the biggest summer ski resort in the Alps.
• Musuem for the Ortles Region is located on the ground floor of the school building in Solda. It holds various precious exhibits from the history and culture of the Ortles region.
  Information on guided tours can be obtained from the Solda Tourism Association Phone: 0473/737060.
• “naturatrafoi” National Park House – the visiting centre shows a permanent exhibition about “Life at the Border”, open from 01.02.-04.04. Wednesday-Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. From 15.05.-31.10. Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
  Further information can be obtained by phoning 0473/612031.

Silandro

• Maria Himmelfahrt Parish Church with the highest tower in Tyrol, 97 metres, was restaured in 1505 in a neo-baroque style.
  The tower of the parish church is the landmark of Silandro, the tower peak can be seen from afar. It is slightly declined, in order to be more resistant against the wind.
• Silandro Pedestrian Zone, the only in the entire Venosta Valley. In the picturesque village centre of Silandro the pedestrian zone invites you on adventurous shopping sprees.
  In addition to elegant shops, comfortable cafes and typical farmer’s guesthouses enchant your stay.
• Hospice Church – this church is a Gothic building dating back to the 14th century. In 1499 it burned down completely. In 1514 it was rebuilt and provided with a pointy tower. Inside the church you can admire frescos from the 13th and 16th century, which are dedicated to the Trinity. The keys can be collected at the custodian of the health unit (behind the church).
• S. Egidio Church in Corces was built approximately 700 years ago and shows a large wall painting of Saint Christopher at the southern outside wall. In 1985 several frescos dating back to the 13th century were uncovered in the interior of the church, amongst which a picture of the history of creation.
  Information and guided tours – phone: 0473/737050.
• S. Martino Parish Church in Covelano – until 1212 it was owned by the Lords of Warga. It provided the centre of their manor.
  In 1212 the church was donated to the German order.
• Schlandersburg Castle – was constructed as a residence in 1600 with an arcade court on two floors. Worth being mentioned are the beautiful window screens, the gantry, emblems and the sundial.
  The castle has been reconstructed into one of the most renowned renaissance buildings in the Venosta Valley.
• S. Georges Church is high above S. Egidio. It is accessible via a newly laid out path. The legend tells that this church was built by a knight. In 1376 the church was passed over to the Marienberg Monastery. Today, only the remains of the walls show traces of frescos. Not far above the church you find an archaeological place of discovery, “Rossladum”.
  The remains of a circumvallate and several bronze items were found here.

Lasa

• Lasa Marble Village – the "white gold” of the famous Lasa Marble comes from the mountains high above Lasa. The characteristics of this precious stone are unparallelled in Europe. Lasa marble has been exported to the whole world for centuries. Due to its special beauty and hardness it is mainly used for sculptures and sculptors works, as well as for precious tiles in construction. Guided tours every Saturday in June and October and every Tuesday and Thursday from the beginning of July until the end of September at 1.30 p.m.
  Booking is only necessary for groups visiting outside regular opening times – phone: 0473/737000.
• S. Sisinius Church is located on a hill at the edge of Lasa surrounded by a circular wall. It is the oldes holistic building in the Venosta Valley (10th century). It was first mentioned in a document in 1290.
  The tower served as the prototype for early Roman tower construction in South Tyrol in the 11th century.
• St. Giovanni Parish Church – the most beautiful and precious is without doubt the apse dating back to the 12th century. It was fully constructed from Lasa marble. The parish church was added at a later time.
  The adjacent cemetery is worth a visit, since the entire cemetery is reigned by white marble.
• Pfeiler und Koundl – once the landmark of Lasa can be well seen from the Adige bridge and the Bagno square (at the cycling path).
  In order to be able to water the drier half of the valley, the water was led through larch wood drains on high wall pillars above the roofs of the houses and above the Adige River onto the other side of the valley.

Senales Valley

• Senales Archeoparc
  South Tyrol’s first archaeologic Activity Musuem
  The Senales ArcheoParc is located in Madonna di Senales and shows the lifestyle of people 5,300 years ago.
  The museum explains the Neolithic Age by means of explanations, pictures, films and objects. In the open-air part of the museum visitors can learn what the Ice Man’s contemporaries required for surviving in reconstructed huts, by baking bread, by using bow and arrows, by shaping ceramics and by processing fire stones and leather. From the museum itself and from the open-air museum you can see the place of discovery of the Ice Man, the Tisa Pass. South Tyrol’s first archaeologic activity museum offers a varied programme.
  The various activities are included in the entry fee and take place during the opening times. The daily programme can be requested by phone in the ArcheoParc or in the Tourism Association.
  Guided tours only upon appointment.
  Information: Senales ArcheoParc, Madonna di Senles 163, I-39020 Senales
  Phone: 0473 676020, Fax 0473 676263
• Juval Castle of Reinhold Messner
  The castle is located on a prehistoric spot at the entrance to the Senales Valley. This is not only the residence of the extreme alpinist Reinhold Messner, but also a place of art. The following art collections can be viewed: a comprehensive Tiebetan collection, a picture gallery and a mask collection from 4 continents.
  Information: +39 0473 668058.
• Certosa Monastery
  The Certosa Monastery „Monte degli Angeli“ (Angel’s Mountain) was founded in 1326 and was conveyed in 1782. The small houses along the stations of the cross, former residences of the monks, where sold to interested house owners and craftsman from the valley. In 1924 the village was troubled by a huge fire, however, numerous original details remained in tact.
  The stations of the cross, the grotto, the main house and the monastery kitchen, the circular monastery wall, the crucifixion group, the monastery portal and the S. Anna Church can be visited all year.
  In summer time, local artists show their exhibitions along the stations of the cross.
• Madonna di Senales Pilgrimage
  Senales provided the route via the Niederjoch Pass (discovery of the Ice Man) to the Ötztal Valley and from there over the Fernpass to Augsburg for centuries.
  The Madonna di Senales Pilgrimage definitely arose due to this transition of pilgrims to sanctuary places.
  It is remarkable, that the church in Vent/Ötztal is dedicated to the patron of pilgrims, Saint James.
• S. Mary Pilgrimage Path
  The St. Mary Pilgrimage Path in Madonna di Senales leads from the south of the village through a beautiful larch forest to the pilgrimage church.
  Along the way various stations show the most important scenes of the life of Holy Mary. The picutes were carved by locals.
  Total walking time is approx. 1 hour.
• Ötzi Show Gallery
  You will meet the Ice Man in the unique show gallery in the mines of the glacier (3,212 m). Wall charts and numerous pictures will provide you with an inside into life 5,300 years ago. You will also be amazed by the life-sized Ice Man with all his weapens and untensils.
  Information: Berghotel Grawand, Phone: +39 0473 662118 – Fax +39 0473 6621
• Ötzi-Express – Glacier „Live“
  Experience the Senales Glacier from close-up! With a caterpillar vehicle you will be chauffeured to the unique atmosphere of "eternal ice". Past icefalls and morains you will reach the glacier cave.
  The play of light inside the ice cave provides a fascinating insight into the creation and development of the Senales Glacier (Hochjochferner).

Tubre

• Rotund Castle Ruin and Reichenberg Castle dating back to the 12th century. Both castles were built by the Bishops of Chur and were used as their residence.
• St. Giovanni Hospice – a Roman church built in 1220 in the shape of a Greek cross. The entirely painted groin vault shows Byzantine influences. Worth seeing are also the late Roman frescos, which impress through their expression and liveliness.
  Information on visits and guided tours – phone: 0473/737080.

Upper Val Venosta Valley

• The source of the Adige River at 1,550 m, 10 minutes from the village of Resia. The Adige, which flows in a southern direction into the Adriatic, is the second largest river in Italy.
• S. Nicoló Church in Roia with frescos by the Merano School (15th century) inside the church. During the day the keys can be collected in the Rojen/Bergkristall Guesthouse opposite the church.
• Church Tower of Curon – the most often fotografed motive in the Venosta Valley. In 1950 the village had to yield to the construction of an artificial lake. As a reminder of the village the church tower now protrudes from the lake. Further information can be obtained from the Information Office in Resia - Phone: 0473/737090.
• The imposing Palla Bianca Massif (White Ball) with refuge in the very back of the Lunga Valley.
• S. Voltn Hospice – is an historic centre in S. Valentino. It was founded by Ulrich Primele in 1140.