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Val Venosta
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To follow the course of the Adige river near its source is to immerse oneself in the grandeur of mountain life. The snow-capped austro-swiss mountains, the hills which quickly transform into mountains and even the plain itself all seem to have been designed with an 'oversized' hindthought. Human settlements, religious sanctuaries and castles find ways of placing themselves in good light in this environment. The itinerary in val Venosta can start near the borders, or possibly arriving through Lombardy passing Bormio and the passo dello Stelvio, or alternatively can start in Merano. |
| Malles Venosta |
The countryside is sprinkled with mainly romanic belltowers. The church of San Benedetto (IXth century) has a rather rare collection of Caroligian frescoes. A few kilometers away, in the upper val Venosta, we come across the massive Benedictine Abbey of Monte Maria, with its onion shaped belltowers which dominate the valley. An important complex of structures originating in the XIIth century, this is one of the greater testimonials of religious settlements in alpine valleys. |
| Glorenza Sluderno |
These two nearby towns have a most pleasant medieval atmosphere. Glorenza is the only town of the area entirely protected by walls (which appear to have been necessary as they were built on two occasions); adjacent towers are complementary to the defensive strategy wanted by its designers. The marvels continue in Sluderno. This town is renonwed for the important Coira castle (XIIIth century) and its highly valued armory (including Ulrico IX's 2.2m high armor). |
| Silandro |
Silandro, offers a homonymous castle and one of the region's highest belltowers, erected at ana angle to better weather the winds of the valley. From here to Laces the landscape is peppered with steeples and medieval fortifications: in Colderano, Monte Sant'Anna and Morter. |
| Merano |
On the road to Merano, a stopover in Naturno will have the savory flavour of country life at the foot of a village castle and a beautiful VIIIth century church, San Procolo. Finally, the thermal bath resort of Merano also has its medieval core, a Duomo and the Principesco castle. But possibly, the most enchanting section is in the thermal bath quarters among the neoclassical and liberty-style palazzi from which one can take leisurely walks along the Summer or Winter footpaths. |
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