Todo Suedtirol – Page 38

Biotope Pirchner Moos | Terento

How to reach the biotope Prichner Moos

The biotope Pirchner Moos is located at an altitude of 1,300 m and is slightly inclined to the south. The geological base of the biotope is formed by the granite of Bressanone. The biotope shows two different vegetative environments. In the central zone, we find a small low peat bog with margins characterized by the presence of high peat bogs. The small moist biotope is surrounded by moist meadows, sparse woodland, and hedges. In the marshy part, we find different types of moss, including peat moss, but also the blondella, the central leaf, the poa, the sanguisorba, the caryx, and different types of orchids. In the past, wet meadows were used for the production of fodder and litter for horses. The variety of plants in the biotope provides shelter and for many animals. Here we find the wonderful royal dragonflies and, in particular weather conditions, you can also admire the spotted salamanders. The buzzard especially loves the open spaces of the cutting meadow. To the north of the biotope, at the top of the Hohenbichl, runs the “Pusteria line”, the boundary between the south-alpine and eastern rock plates. This tectonic line is one of the most important seismic lines in the Alps.

Pieve di Marebbe | San Vigilio di Marebbe

How to reach the church

For a long time, the entire religious life of the valley revolved around the church of La Pli/Pieve Marebbe. Once the most important house of prayer in the valley, records state that since the appointment of one Marquardus as the first pastor in 1214, Marebbe has always had its own resident pastor. Records dating back to 1347 list the church as the “parish church of the Virgin Mary of Marebbe”.

Today, it is a grand four-naved Baroque church with a particularly beautiful wooden high altar, skilfully carved in Renaissance style in 1636 – at a time when the Black Death raged through the valleys. The centre features a statue of St. Mary of Graces. Both for the population of the Badia valley and many pilgrims from the Pusteria valley, this picturesque temple remains a well-loved and much-visited place of pilgrimage.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 10 pm

Free entry!

Contact:
Pieve di Marebbe
Str. Catarina Lanz 14/3
39030 San Vigilio di Marebbe
+39 0474-501037

Pietra del diavolo | Terento

How to reach the Pietra del diavolo

According to legend, the Rio di Pusteria farmers had once angered the devil so much that he swore revenge. He carried a stone from Luson and wanted it to roll down from Mutenock to Rio di Pusteria. The devil chose the shortest way. But because the stone was heavy and a devil had to rest once, he put down his rucksack with the stone. In his rage and anger against the people of Rio di Pusteria he had not noticed, however, that the morning was beginning to grey and that the Terentop sacristan – who was an early riser – was already ringing the prayer bell for the morning greeting. So the devil had to leave the stone and flee back to the underworld. This is why the “Devil’s Stone” (Pietra del diavolo) is still lying in the middle of the forest at about 1,700 m above the Nunewieser.

Schludernser Gate Tower | Glorenza

How to reach Schludernser Gate Tower

Since 2011, the Schludernser Gate Tower has hosted the historic exhibition Stations of a Small Town on two floors, dedicated to the history of Glorenza/Glurns. The exhibit presents information about trade and defense, the marketplace and local professions, as well as particularities and curiosities of Glorenza. The Schludernser Gate Tower also offers the opportunity to walk along the guard’s walkway and battlements. Information panels and samples tell of the reconstruction and fortification of the city in the 16th Century. A special feature worth visiting is the round corner turret.

Opening hours:
26. March – 30. June and 3. September – 27. October
Monday – Friday from 9 am 00:30 pm and from 3 pm – 6 pm
Saturday from 9 am – 00:30 pm
2. July – 1. September
Monday – Saturday 9 am – 6 pm

Prices:

Adults	3,00 €
Children from 11-15 years	1,50 €
Seniors over 60 years of age	2,50
Groups of 10 or more	2,50€

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Contact:
Schludernser Gate Tower Information Office Glorenza
Florastraße 33
39020 Glurns
+39 0473-831097

Catarina Lanz Monument | San Vigilio di Marebbe

How to reach the Catarina Lanz Monument

Catarina Lanz, a young woman from Marebbe who was born in 1771 in San Vigilio di Marebbe, was honored in the fight against Napoleon’s French troops. In 1797, at the age of 26, she fought heroically with a pitchfork at the side of an Inntal shooter against a division of the Napoleonic army in Spinges near Mühlbach, a small village near Brixen, to save the little church and the adjacent cemetery from desecration. She became a symbolic figure of the Tyrolean fight for freedom in the French Wars.

Opening hours:
Open every day

Free entry!

Contact:
Tourist office San Vigilio di Marebbe
Catarina-Lanz-Str. 14/3
39030 San Vigilio di Marebbe
+39 0474 501037

The smallest town of South Tyrol | Glorenza

How to reach Glorenza

Glorenza, the smallest town in South Tyrol, works its magic on every visitor with its charming medieval atmosphere, perfectly preserved town walls and its three picturesque gate towers. Virtually unchanged since the 16th century, there are echoes of the eventful history of this former trading town around every corner. With its romantic character, rich culture and idyllic surroundings, Glorenza is a real alpine jewel. It is our pleasure to invite you to our beautiful town to share with you magical moments, historic festivals and spectacular cultural events.

History:
The village of Glorenza/Glurns was first mentioned in 1163. Its name is of Romansh origin, meaning Alder meadows. Originally an ancient Roman settlement of the Province of Raetia, during the early Middle Ages it belonged to the Swiss diocese of Chur, until Count Meinhard II of Tyrol granted the village market rights in 1290. From then on it evolved as a free city with a town charter being first mentioned in 1304. The importance of Glorenza grew with its economic prosperity as a trading center in the Late Middle Ages. Whoever was able to gain entry inside the city walls was exempt from taxation for ten years, while the city benefited from toll rates paid by commercial travelers and salesmen who were interested to offer their products for sale at the local market: wine, metal products, spices and fruit were traded, but above all salt, originating from the salt deposits of the nearby city of Hall. In 1423, the city was mentioned as the seventh city among 18 in the first Merano State Parliament.

After Tyrol was integrated into the Habsburg-ruled provinces in 1363, there were several attempts to repress the power of the bishops of Chur, the Lower Engadine, Müstair Valley and Upper Venosta Valley. As a reaction, the subjects of the diocese founded the League of God’s House [Gotteshausbund]. After further conquests of the Habsburgs, the situation seemed increasingly likely to escalate, eventually culminating in early 1499 in the Swabian War. In the decisive battle of May 22, the Battle of the Calven, the Gotteshausbund prevailed over the Habsburgs. Following the victory, the troops sacked and devastated the wealthy enclave of Glorenza.

On the orders of the Emperor Maximilian I, Glorenza was rebuilt, according to the plans of Jörg Kölderers. He is credited as the father of the present appearance of the city, with its notable walls and town gates. In the aftermath of these events, the city gradually declined in importance as a center of trade. It became depleted and impoverished over time, with the townsmen becoming farmers. Flooding, mudslides and fire disasters exacerbated this decline, and in 1799 parts of the city were burned down by the troops of Napoleon.

In the 20th Century many citizens of Glorenza worked as commuters in nearby Switzerland. In the 1970s, with the first economic boom, the modern redevelopment of the city was initiated.

Contact:
Information Office Glorenza
Schludernser Torturm
39020 Glurns
+39 0473 831097

Sluderno

How to reach Sluderno

Attractions:
– Venosta Valley Museum
– Churburg Castle

Sluderno/Schluderns is a village with a rich history. Located below the imposing Churburg Castle, it is probably the best-preserved Renaissance fortification in the entire South Tyrol and also contains a huge armoury museum. This old farming village also found itself at the centre of historic battles and conflicts between the aristocracy, the episcopate and local farmers. Located at the intersection between the Upper and Central Venosta Valleys, it was one of the first settlements governed by written municipal laws dating back to the 13th century. Nearby Sluderno and to the local Vintschger Museum is the archeological site of Ganglegg, containing relics from the Bronze and Iron Ages. It’s fortifications date back to the Roman Era.

Sluderno also represents an ideal starting point for hikes and tours. Following the winding irrigation channels through sparse forests and green meadows, visitors can enjoy the splendid panoramic views over the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Art & Culture:
The cultural region of Upper Venosta Valley had already served as a valley for travelers in ancient times. Today historic sites, castles, churches and monasteries decorated with frescoes and artwork from over ten centuries ago, bear witness to this and can be visited by guests. The Celts, Romans and Rhaetians like the Venosti, but also the early Christian Middle Ages, left their mark. These include the Roman trade road Via Claudia Augusta, the medieval town of Glorenza/Glurns and many cultural monuments. They turn a trip to Upper Venosta Valley into a very special cultural experience.

Upper Venosta Valley, as “the valley of artists”, also lives up to its cultural and historical heritage with its way of life. Customs and traditions from ancient times go hand in hand with innovation and contemporary architecture. In this unique cultural landscape, hikers follow a trail of mountain churches and enjoy the view from the irrigation channels.

Taste & Enjoy:
The Upper Venosta Valley is characterized by sunshine, wind and low rainfall. The fertile microclimate rendering in the Upper Venosta Valley is an ideal place for lovers of high-quality fruit, such as the Pala pear, apples, apricots, berries and chestnuts. Other traditional staple products of the regional cuisine are: pasture cheese, rye, spelt and buckwheat.

These delicacies and farm products are real treats for gourmets and are sold directly at the farms or in the markets of this holiday region. Guided tours of the farms are also very popular with guests and locals as are the tastings.

Active holiday:
The diverse areas surrounding the Ötztal Alps, the Ortler Group and Sesvenna Group is an attraction for active holiday goers and families year round, and tailor-made for an active holiday in the Upper Venosta Valley.

Hiking, mountain climbing, bicycling and mountain biking on new paths – that is summer in the Upper Venosta Valley holiday area. A very compact, well-maintained and well-signposted network of trails for bikers, recreational cyclists and hikers with many places to take a break runs through the Upper Venosta Valley; also along the mountain refuge huts and alpine pastures high above.

Active vacationers in Upper Venosta Valley discover new paths along the irrigation channel paths of Monte Sole mountain, but also on mountain tours in the Ötztal Alps, the Sesvenna group or Ortles group and on multi-day hikes like the Venosta Valley High Mountain Trail.

Fishing and paragliding, enjoyment in the sport zone SportWell, and archery on a high-alpine 3D panorama-course, make for a very special summer holiday experience in Venosta.

The Family Ski Area Watles in the sunny Upper Venosta Valley provides skiers with excellent infrastructure, groomed slopes and huts with sun terraces. The region also offers winter walking trails and ski touring in the Ötztal Alps, the Ortler region and in the Stelvio National Park, as well as ice skating rinks, sledging runs and romantic horse-drawn carriage rides through the forests. Fans of Nordic ski sport will enjoy the Center for Cross-Country Skiing: sight of numerous international competitions.

An evening visit to the sauna and the fitness room at the Malles sport center Sportwell will get tired muscles regenerated for the next day. Evenings in the Sportwell can also be rounded-off with a bowling game or tennis match.

Churburg Castle | Sluderno

How to reach Churburg Castle

Churburg Castle rises above Sluderno in the sunny Venosta Valley between the Passo Resia and Merano: one of the best preserved castles in South Tyrol with the largest private armoury and a fairytale arcade walkway.

History:
We first encounter the name of the castle in a document issued by Bishop Heinrich on 21 February 1259 in “Curberch”. The name and the location of the castle at the entrance to the Matsch valley, where the reeves of Matsch had their ancestral castle, make it certain that the Churburg was the castle that the bishop had been allowed to build “frey unhindered” shortly before.
The buildings of the Romanesque period The oldest core of the complex consists of the keep on the hill side, the palace built south of it on a rectangular ground plan and the ring wall enclosing a spacious courtyard. After its destruction in 1358, only the foundation walls of the former front tower, called Pfaffeneck, along which the old castle path runs, were preserved.
The buildings of the Gothic period The complex retained its high medieval appearance until the early 16th century. With the change of ownership at the beginning of the 16th century, extensive conversions and new buildings began, such as the outer courtyard, the garden terraces and the kennel. Further residential buildings were added between the palace and the keep, grouped around a spacious inner courtyard, the first floor of which accommodates an arcaded corridor. The palace was raised by a firewall and provided with a battlemented wreath; an oriel on the south side and a late Gothic parlour on the ground floor were added.
In the 2nd half of the 16th century, the old castle was transformed into a magnificent Renaissance castle. The 18th century saw the construction and extension of the third palace floor as a guest wing with biblical wallpaper pictures and glazed tiled stoves. The staircase to the “Matscher Saal” replaces an earlier one, which had connected the arcade with the third floor of the northern wing.

Opening hours:
Guided tours only.
March 20- October 31 2019:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 12 o’clock & 2 -4.30pm
Guided tours every 15 minutes.

Contact:
Churburg Castle
Churburg 1
39020 Sluderno
+39 0473 615241

Prato allo Stelvio

How to reach Prato allo Stelvio

Attractions:
– Church of S. John
– Castle ruin Lichtenberg
– National Park aquaprad
– Tschenglsburg Castle

Prato allo Stelvio is the ideal point of departure for some of the most spectacular and challenging hikes, mountain climbs or ski tours in the entire Alps. This lively mountain village is situated at the foot of the Stelvio National Park. It stretches from Spondiga at 900 meters up to Montechiaro Masi at an altitude of 1,500 meters.
The picturesque villages of Agumes and Montechiaro extend along the slopes of the Stelvio National Park, up to Montechiaro Alpine pasture while the imposing ruins of the old fort of Lichtenberg Castle dominate the scene up on the hill above the town. At the acquaprad Park Visitors’ Center in the town, the vital role played by water in the area is described in an interactive presentation.

Prato allo Stelvio offers accommodation of the most diverse type, but always of the highest quality: from nature holidays on farms, relaxed camping holidays, appartements or half-board up to high end wellness hotels.

Active Holidays:
Prato allo Stelvio offers its visitors a varied program of sports and leisure activities: hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, tennis, climbing, camping, or niche activities like Segway – many opportunities for real adventures in the Alpine wilderness. Several trails lead through meadows and woods up to the peaks of the most scenic mountains in the huge Stelvio National Park, with overwhelming impressions and views.

Other hiking trails lead along the ancient irrigation channels, both in the valley and along the sunny slopes of the hillside. On the Via Claudia Augusta bicycle trail, cycling enthusiasts can discover the cultural gems and treasures of Venosta Valley, while at the Stelvio glacier area one can practize skiing also in summer. With its 48 hairpin bends, the steep Stelvio Pass Road is an exciting experience forracing cyclists and mountain bikers.

The snowy landscape in Prato dello Stelvio beckons the visitor to walk in the sparkling winter environment. The long, snow-bound winter hiking tracks entice exploration, as do the ski mountain paths in the Ötztal Alps, in the Ortler mountain range and in the Stelvio National Park.
Sports-minded visitors will eagerly take to the ski slopes in the Trafoi and Solda/Sulden ski areas, or explore snow-covered forests during cross-country skiing.

The outdoor ice skating rink at Prato dello Stelvio, or an exhilarating sleigh ride downhill with the whole family around Ortler are just examples of some of the exciting options available. At the end of an action-packed day, there’s nothing better than to relax with a glass of mulled wine at the Christmas market, a game of cards or in one of the soothing steam baths.

Art and Culture:
Here in Venosta Valley you will find tourist attractions, castles and churches with frescoes and artworks from more than 10 centuries of history. Early Romanesque churches along the old trade route Via Claudia Augusta link together at the foot of the high alpine scenery to form a unique cultural landscape.

Beneath the snowy peaks of the Stelvio National Park, there’s a beautiful natural and cultural landscape with a unique and rich culture, made up of several proto-Romanesque churches flanking the ancient Via Claudia Augusta trade route. The Romanesque Road is a Swiss-sponsored cultural project, which, together with Stairways to Heaven, retrace the history of these mountain churches.

With the Romanesque St. Johann Church and the ruins of the Lichtenberg Castle, the village of Prato/Prad offers visible testimony of the conflicts and events of the past. Examples of outstanding contemporary art and architecture are the Maria Königin Church and the aquaprad National Park Visitors Center.

Taste and enjoy:
The Venosta Valley is characterized by sunshine, wind and low rainfall. The fertile microclimate rendering in the Upper Venosta Valley is an ideal place for lovers of high-quality fruit, such as the Pala pear, apples, apricots, berries and chestnuts. Other traditional staple products of the regional cuisine are: pasture cheese, rye, spelt and buckwheat.

During the Törggelen festivities in autumn, such products may be tried, along with other traditional dishes, in the beautiful gardens of the numerous restaurants in and around rural Prato allo Stelvio/Prad am Stilfserjoch.

Sterzing City Hall | Sterzing

How to reach the Rosetta Stone of Mithras and Roman Milestone in the Sterzing City Hall

A Rosetta Stone depicting the Persian god of light Mithras was found near Mules in 1589. The original is conserved at the Bozen Archaeological Museum, while a copy is exhibited in the internal courtyard of the Sterzing City Hall, where there is also a Roman Milestone of Septimius Severus (approximately 200 A.D.), which was discovered in Sterzing in 1979.

Opening hours:
Monday to friday from 8 am to 6 pm

Free entry!

Contact:
The Rosetta Stone of Mithras and Roman Milestone in the Sterzing City Hall
Neustadt
39049 Sterzing/Vipiteno
+39 0472 765325