The old Sant’Ippolito and Erardo Parish Church | Lagundo

How to reach the The old Sant’Ippolito and Erardo Parish Church

In the eastern part of the Lagundo “Garden Village”, bordering the Merano district of Quarazze (Gratsch), lies the Lagundo district Paese (Dorf). The old Sant’Ippolito and Erardo Parish Church is found here. First documented in 1200, the church features three distinct architectural styles – Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. The church holds many valuable treasures of art, both internally and externally, all of which testify to the turbulent political and cultural history of Tyrol. Between 1618 and 1628 a new Early Baroque nave designed by the architect Francesco Lucchese was added to the parish church.

Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday
7 am to 7 pm

Free entry!

Contact:
The old Sant’Ippolito and Erardo Parish Church
39022 Algund
+39 0473-448600

Church | Rifiano

How to reach the church

The church is a Baroque building from the year 1671, by the master builder Franz Delai. Of particular interest are the Pietà, from around 1415, and the baptismal font (circa 1380-1400). In the cemetery chapel at the original shrine, there are significant Gothic frescoes from the year 1415.

The Castel Trauttmansdorf | Lagundo

How to reach the The Castel Trauttmansdorf Throne

In “Hochkreuz” in Lagundo, directly on the popular Via Claudia Augusta bicycle path, is a very special vantage point: the Trauttmansdorff Throne. The view of Merano and the surrounding area, including Forst Castle (and the brewery of the same name) and one of the most modern churches in the entire Alpine region, the San Giuseppe Parish Church, is breathtaking in its splendour. Ideal for photographs and an absolute must-see for every tourist in Merano. Cyclists in particular often stop here for a break, to enjoy the view with a picnic before continuing their journey towards Val Venosta (Vinschgau) valley or Merano. Visitors can see the famous Botanical Gardens at the Trauttmansdorff Castle with binoculars. This observation deck is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Botanical Gardens at the Trauttmansdorff Castle.

Opening hours:
Open all year round


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Contact:
The Castel Trauttmansdorf Throne
Alte Landstraße / Via Vecchia
39022 Algund/ Lagundo
+39 0473 448600

Laion/Lajen

How to reach Lajen

Laion is an idyllic mountain town located on a sunny plateau along with the villages of S. Pietro/S. Peter, Tanursa/Tanürz, Ceves/Tschöfas, Fraina/Freins, Albions and Laien-Novale/Lajen-Ried, where you can admire the presumed birthplace of the famous medieval minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide (1168-1230).

Every season offers unforgettable experiences: in the spring, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, you can still ski without any problem in Gardena/Gröden valley. The well-marked
paths are a constant invitation to let yourself be tempted by the beautiful hikes through the countryside, to climb up to the mountain pastures and the peaks with their splendid scenery, or to go hiking in the Dolomites.

In fall, you will be amazed by the splendour of the broadleaf forests around Laion. The views from Wasserbühl over the valley, “Castel Forte/Trostburg” Castle and the villages on the opposite slope of the Valle Isarco are truly unforgettable. In the fall, there are many typical inns that take part in the traditional Törggelen .

In the winter, you can have fun playing curling, on the natural sled run , go cross-country skiing or take a stroll on the snow-free paths . The “Dolomiti Superski” area , where all skiers will find just what they’re looking for, is just 10 km away. No matter what you enjoy, Laion and its villages have a lot to offer, without ever giving up your well-deserved peace and quiet.

 

Tyrol Castle | Tirolo

How to reach Tyrol Castle

Tyrol Castle is the most historically significant castle in South Tyrol. Its origins stretch back into the late 11th century.

Since 2003 Tyrol Castle has housed the South Tyrolean Museum of History. Its main focus is the history of the province from its beginnings to modern times.

The oldest structural elements can be found in church excavations in the outer bailey (three building phases, three-apse chamber from the 9th century). The south palace contains the two Romanesque portals. The two-storey castle chapel is dedicated to St. Pancras and is famous for its gothic frescoes. What is believed to be the wedding chamber of Countess Margarethe of Tyrol, known as Maultasch (literally “bag mouth”), is situated in the Mushaus. The keep, which was only completed after 1902, now houses an exhibition of the history of the 20th century depicted over twenty separate levels. The historic estate buildings house special exhibitions.

Opening hours:
March 15th – December 8th:
Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Monday and Tuesday closed

Price:

Adults 7,00 €
Family (2 adults with children up to 14 years) 14,00 €
Small family (1 adult with children up to 14 years) 7,00€
Groups of 15+ people  4,90€
Seniors from 65 years 4,90€
Students and apprentices up to 27 years 3,50€
School parties (primary, middle, vocational and high schools) 1,50€
Children up to 6 years free
Additional charge for guided tours 2,00€ per person

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Contact:
Tyrol Castle
Via del Castello 24
39019 Tirolo
+39 0473 220221

Roman Bridge Head and Masonry Embankment | Lagundo

How to reach the Roman Bridge Head and Masonry Embankment

In 1776, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria built a masonry embankment in Lagundo near Merano. This was meant to serve as protective bulwark against flooding of the Adige River. This masonry can still be visited today. Not far away, on the left bank of the river, lay the ruins of an ancient imperial Roman road bridge along the route of the original “Via Claudia Augusta”. Construction of the bridge dates to the first century AD. Today, the ruins of the bridge have the status of protected monuments. At the head of the bridge is also a small shrine and chapel.

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact:
Roman Bridge Head and Masonry Embankment
Via Mercato
39022 Lagundo
+39 0473 448600

Caines

How to reach Caines

Attractions:
– Earth pillars | Caines
– The tractor museum | Caines

Caines is located above Merano, near Rifiano at the entrance to the Val Passiria.

Located at 592 m asl at the entrance of the Val Passiria, Caines is one of the smallest municipalities of South Tyrol and has got some 400 inhabitants. It is surrounded by vineyards and fruit orchards and is a good starting point for walking to the neighbouring villages. Highly recommendable is the Roggia di Caines (Waalweg), as well as the impressive natural scenery of the Gruppo di Tessa nature park. Worth a visit is also the Val Sopranes with its unique lake plateau.

The present-day parish church dates back to the Roman period and is dedicated to S. Mauritius and S. Korbinian. According to legends, the prior church in this place was dedicated to S. Valentino and Zeno by the above mentioned Korbinian.

Our tip: a visit in the little tractor museum hosted at the Gasthof Ungericht. This is where you can admire about 30 Porsche-diesel tractors of various construction years.

The tractor museum | Cains

How to reach the Tractor museum

In the tractor museum 30 “Porsche-Diesel” can be examined under the 4 Master of different years of construction. In addition to the Porsche tractors there are tractors of many other brands. The oldest tractor in our collection is a “Balilla”, built in 1929. An experience for young and old!
At the Ungericht Hof there is also an inn where traditional delicacies can be enjoyed.

Opening hours:
Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm
Monday closed

Free entry!

Contact:
Traktorenmuseum Ungericht
Kuenserstraße 55
39010 Cains
+39 0473 241112

Earth pillars | Caines

How to reach the Earth pillars

An impressive natural spectacle are the earth pillars near Tirolo Castle and in Caines.

The earth pillars are a majestic natural phenomenon! The main premises for their emergence are the special characteristics of soil, the climate, a position that is sheltered from the wind as well as a huge piece of rock. Heavy rain provokes the soil to become soft and for this reason parts of the terrain to break away. Further rainfalls form corrugations in the terrain and slowly the pillars emerge, covered by a huge stone at the top, which also protects the pillars. Earth pillars mainly develop in moraine landscapes, which are typical in the Burgraviato area. However, only after thousands of years a very high earth pillar emerges. And this is also how this natural spectacle in Tirolo and Caines came into being…

Doing a circular walk is the best way to visit the earth pillars of Tirolo (see pic): in the village centre of Tirolo the path proceeds until Aura Castle and to the restaurant “Tiroler Kreuz”. The path leads you further to Tirolo Castle and back again into the village. Along the path several viewpoints exist, from where the earth pillars can be watched well. Due to a storm some years ago, few pillars were destroyed. If you take the Alta Muta cable car you can also admire the earth pillars.

To reach the Caines earth pillars you have to take the “Erdpyramidenweg” path (Earth Pillar Path). For approx. 35 minutes it proceeds from the Fineletal valley to the Ungerichthof farm in Caines. If you want to do a longer walk take the Caines Waalweg path. By the way: there are even more places with earth pillars in South Tyrol, in Terento and Plata in the Val Pusteria valley and at the Renon.

Merano

How to reach Merano

Culinary art:
– Pur Südtirol
– Restaurant – Villa Heidelberg | Merano

Attractions:
– Therme | Merano
– Kunst Meran | Merano
– Palais Mamming Museum | Merano
– Prince’s Castle | Merano
– The wine-growing museum | Merano
– Touriseum | Merano
– Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle | Merano
– Merano 2000 Summer
– La torre delle polveri

As the second largest urban center in the province of South Tyrol, Merano/Meran is well known for its cultural diversity. The harmonious mix of Italian Mediterranean and Alpine traditions in South Tyrol contribute to the colorful lifestyle in the spa town of Merano. Its urban development and vibrant multi-ethnic culture is manifested in the diverse architecture and local cuisine.

The medieval arcades, castles and town gates in Merano bear witness to its historical role as a medieval center in Tyrol. The present-day thermal baths in the center are rooted in the 19th century tradition of Merano as a spa town. Visitors can discover the landmarks, churches and museums in Merano on their own or join a guided tour with one of the expert local guides.

Food and Wine
Nowhere is the cultural richness of the spa town more obvious than while eating and drinking in Merano/Meran, a meeting point of cultures.

Active and Relaxing
Whether for jogging, football, tennis, skiing, or swimming: the people of Merano/Meran are passionate about sports, and running events such as the annual “Half Marathon Merano Lagundo” and “run4fun” are extremely popular. Accordingly, the range of attractive offers for active vacationers is very diverse, for example at the sports and leisure facilities of the company “Meranarena”, which includes the climbing hall “Rockarena”, the outdoor pool “Lido Merano” and the grounds of the Tennis Club Merano.
Nestled in a green valley, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, Merano offers holidaymakers Mediterranean flair set against an Alpine backdrop. Because of the protected location of the city and its year-round mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive in Merano. Beautiful green areas and walking paths make the city a paradise for nature lovers. The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle on the eastern edge of the city is considered to be one of the most beautiful botanical sites in the world.
These trails are also supplemented by the connected hiking trails in Merano’s immediate vicinity. At the skiing and hiking area Merano 2000, located just above the city, vacationers will be spoiled for choice thanks to the numerous mountain biking trails, hiking trails, via ferrata and summit destinations.
The Terme Merano thermal baths are the very epitome of well-being and relaxation at the highest level. In this centrally located thermal resort, visitors have access to 15 year-round pools (including two with radon-containing thermal water), a spacious sauna area and a “Spa & Vital Center”.

Contact:
Merano Tourist office
Corso Libertà 45
39012 Merano
+39 0473-272000