Churches & Chapels

Historical buildings at close range

Every village has its own church, which often also represents the centre of the village. In the Oltradige region you will find numerous churches and chapels that are worth seeing. Some of them hold antique paintings or items. These churches are built in different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque or late Gothic.

Below you can find a selection:

* Calvario Church
Located above S. Michele at the end of the Calvario mountain.
This church built in 1716 is consecrated to the Sorrowful Mother. Thanks to the two cupolas of the front the church diffuses a very special atmosphere.
Not only the church itself is worht seeing, but also the location due to the fabulous view on Appiano. Hike the Calvario mountain and discover this great little place.

* Madonna del Riposo Church
in S. Michele
This pilgrimage church is located close to the village centre. The design made by Josef Vonstadl, architect of the diocese, was approved in 1874 and realised soon after in very clear neo-romanesque style. This church offers numerous remarkable characteristics, as for example round arched windows.

* Parish Curch Pauli Conversion
in S. Paolo
Locality: S. Paolo
This majestic church domintaes the historical centre of S. Paolo. After the foundation of the parish of Appiano in 1147, the village was the most prosperous in South Tyrol and its centre was S. Paolo. Due to the fact that the inhabitants were prosperous, they wanted to build an adequate church, and as we can see today, they did so. In 1921 the municipality was redevided and the main locality S.Michele/Appiano, together with Monticolo, Ganda, Pigano and the southern part of Appiano/Monte, became the new parish S. Michele.
Due to the financial prosperity, in 1484 the inhabitants of S. Paolo began to build a particularly beautiful church, which was completed in 1533. Please note: only the church! The building of the steeple, however, was only completed in the middle of the 17th century. For this reason it features two different architectural styles, which are the Gothic and the Baroque style. Inside this steeple, there are nine bells.

* S. Giustina Church
in S. Paolo

* S. Giuseppe Church
in Frangarto

* S. Nicoló Church
in Riva di Sotto
This church is located opposite the Hungerhausen residence near the street.
The church was built in the late Gothic period, whereas the steeple was built in the 17th century. The church holds mural paintings and reliefs of different saints. Other elements as for example the winged altar were added later. In 1512 the church was consecrated to S. Nicoló.

* Helper in need Chapel
in Gaido
This chapel situated high above the Val d'Adige in Gaido above Appiano. A parvenu decided to have this chapel built as his summer resort. Once in a while a priest came to say Mass. In the year 1634 the building was renewed. The altar is, like the name of the chapel reveals, decorated with the paintings of the fourteen helpers in need. There is also a painting of the Franzin von Zinnberg family, which decided to have the chapel renovated.
We recommend you to combine the visit of the chapel with a pleasant walk.

* Church of the three Magi
in Monticolo
This church is situated in the centre of Monticolo, a locality of Caldaro. It is a late Gothic Chapel built in 1470. It is built in early boaroque an renaissance architectural style, whereas the altar dates back to the baroque period.

* S. Pietro Basilica
in Castelvecchio
This three-nave basilica is located at the end of the pleasant peace path that starts in Caldaro. It dates back to the 4th century and features frescos from the 13th century on the remaining walls. The basilica is situated nearby the viewpoint of the church in Castelvecchio and can be reached via ladder or a very interesting hiking path with starting point at Caldaro.