Neustift / Novacella Monastery
North of Bressanone / Brixen, in the municipality of Vahrn / Varna, you'll find one of the most famous sights of South Tyrol: The Neustift / Novacella Monastery. This Augustinian monastery arose towards the end of the 12th Century. The remaining fortifications date back to the 15th Century, when the locals feared an invasion of the Ottomans in the Crown Land of Tyrol. However, one needn't be an expert to understand that the military value of this site was negligible and the purpose of building the fortifications was probably only to calm the populace. A tower of the fortress still bears the name of the "Turks' Tower."
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One of the monastery buildings is conspicuous due to its very special construction: The Castel Sant'Angelo (Michael's Chapel) was part of the medieval pilgrim hospice. Its architecture reveals it to be a smaller copy of the papal Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. One really ought not to miss the monastery library, which can be visited on guided tours. The two-story Rococo Hall is home to about 65,000 books.
The Neustift / Novacella Monastery church is heavily furnished with ornate Baroque features fashioned by Bavarian artists especially brought here for this purpose. Particularly noteworthy are the ceiling paintings by Matthew Gunther, which relates scenes from the life of St. Augustine. The church as an overall work of art is now considered one of the highlights of the Bavarian Baroque.
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Provincial Museum for Hunting and Fishing
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In the magnificent Baroque palace complex of Wolfsthurn, you can visit three exhibitions spread out over three floors:
In the second story, you'll find lots of information about hunting and wild game, folk art depicting hunting scenes, and fishing;
In the third story, when taking the tour of the palace's opulently furnished rooms, you'll learn about the history of Wolfsthurn;
In the cellar, which was set up specifically for children, our youngest visitors can learn in a playful way about animal voices and animal tracks, about stag antlers and bear caves.
Wolfsthurn Castle
Mareit 5 - I-39040 Mareit / Mareta - Ratschings / Racines
phone: (0039) 0472 / 758121- Fax: (0039) 0472 / 758121
E-Mail: jagdmuseum@landesmuseen.it - Internet: www.wolfsthurn.it
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Open: April 1 to November 15
Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Last admission at 4:30 p.m.
Sundays and holidays: From 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Last admission at 4:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays
The Gilfenklamm (Gorge)
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Come along for an impressive hike through a unique natural spectacle!
The "Emperor-Franz-Josef-Klamm," as it was dubbed a hundred years ago, is the only gorge in the entire world that has been carved out of pure white marble! The Ratschings / Racines Brook rushes through towering cliffs, spraying foam, and falling thunderously down over numerous waterfalls until it comes to the valley!
It's an unforgettable experience for young and old, alike!
Hiking time: Up to the gorge from Stange / Stanga to the Jaufensteg, you'll need about 45 to 60 Minutes. Going downhill, about 40 minutes.
Altitude differential: 175 meters
Open from early-May till late-October.
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The Ridnaun / Ridanna-Schneeberg / Monteneve Provincial Mining Museum
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Once the highest mine in Europe, it is now a museum. Here you can experience 800 years of mining history.
The Schneeberg / Monteneve mine was at a higher altitude than any other mine in Europe. It was also the mine in the Alpine region to remain in operation the longest (approx. 800 years). Silver, lead, and zinc were the chief ores mined here. Today, it serves as a demonstration mine.
The countless items of mining equipment on and in this mighty mountain located between Ridnaun / Ridanna and the Passiria Valley have been conserved in their original form. In part, they can even still be put into operation. The entire complex is a mine that you can enter into and touch, explore, or even work. You are sure to be astonished!
www.bergbaumuseum.it |
The Leopold Chapel
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With the construction of the Leopold Chapel at the Hotel Plunhof, Klaus Tutter from Hattersheim was able to fulfill a long-cherished dream. After just a short construction period, the building was inaugurated on October 7, 2000 and placed under the protection of St. Leopold – the patron saint of the now sadly deceased hotel owner Leopold Volgger.
This plain-looking chapel exudes a very special appeal. Especially the windows painted with the likenesses of St. Leopold and St. Nicholas create a pleasant atmosphere in the interior, where a carved crucifix and the statues of Joseph and Mary with the burning heart have been set up.
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Provincial Museum of Archeology – Bozen / Bolzano (90 km)
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It's the no. 1 attraction among South Tyrol's museums – the place where "Ötzi," the Similaun Ice-Man, is held. This approx. 5,000-year-old ice mummy recovered from a glacier is the central exhibition of the South Tyrolean Museum of Archeology in Bozen / Bolzano. Come enter the prehistoric world of this representative of Neolithic Culture. You are certain to find the well-preserved articles of clothing and equipment fascinating.
(Closed Mondays.)
Museumstr. 43
39100 Bozen / Bolzano
Phone: 0471 982098
www.iceman.it |
Meran / Merano & the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle (110 km)
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Come and admire the great variety of flowers, trees, herbs, and plants of all kinds and from all parts of the world. Additionally, the museum opened in April of 2003 will tell you about the history of tourism in South Tyrol.
Open from mid-March till mid-November.
St. Valentinstrasse 59a
39012 Meran / Merano
Phone: 0473-258819
www.trauttmansdorff.it |
Burkhardklamm (Gorge) in Ridnaun / Ridanna
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A very special kind of natural monument is located at the head of the valley of Ridnaun / Ridanna (Maiern / Masseria):
This gorge can be reached from the area of the museum in Maiern / Masseria in about 45 minutes (by foot) via the pathway which will take you into the Stubai Alps and to such well-known and popular Alpine Huts as the "Grohmann," the "Teplitz," the "Becher," and the "Müller."
Hikers can enjoy splendid views from this pathway
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