Between history and fairy tale

The Story of the Capuchin Garden and the “Stardust” Market in Lana

It is said that the first stone was once laid here. And one day, when the construction was finally completed, the Capuchin friars of Lana would at last have a church of their own – dedicated to Saint Anne and Saint James.
A place to pray and sing, a monastery to live in, a garden where the aromatic fruits of the earth could flourish, and a library for reading and study.
To pray, to sing, to cultivate, to learn – and above all, to care for others.
These were, and still are, the callings of those kind-hearted friars, who for centuries have been an integral part of the community of Lana and its surroundings.
With sandals on their feet and dressed in brown robes, one can picture them through the ages in this quiet, mystical place – in harmony with time, with the seasons, and with the simplicity of contemplative life.
Their library still holds around 12,000 volumes today, including eleven precious incunabula – the earliest, hand-crafted printed books in history. A treasure of inestimable value, preserved with devotion and love across generations.
For more than 400 years, the monastery has opened its doors to all who sought refuge, comfort, or help – whether locals or pilgrims passing through.
In the peaceful monastery garden, surrounded by ancient walls, countless herbs and plants still grow today – lovingly tended by the monks, as they have been for centuries. In this way, the contemplative life becomes a profound expression of connection with nature and its elements.

An old legend tells of a poor orphan girl who, in the midst of winter, had nothing left but a piece of bread, a cap, and a thin little shirt.
Yet despite her poverty, she gave everything she had to anyone who had even less: first the bread, then the cap, and finally even the shirt off her back.
And on that freezing night, as she looked up to the dark sky, a shower of stardust began to fall upon her. Each tiny sparkling grain turned miraculously into clothes and gold – and the girl was saved.
But her kindness endured: she continued to share whatever she had so that no one around her would ever again suffer from hunger or cold.

Today, this story lives on – in the heart of the Capuchin Garden of Lana. A place where humanity and nature, care and compassion come together.
Each year, during Advent, the spirit of times past awakens anew here, bringing with it the enchantment of that season which, more than any other, embodies peace, gentleness, generosity, and warmth of heart: Christmas.
Far from the bustle of the town, this place preserves the magic of stillness, the strength of time, and the whisper of history.
Among lovingly decorated trees, glowing with light and wonder, the miracle of the generous girl still echoes – and the Sterntaler Christmas Market, becomes a living celebration of Christmas tradition.
Here, on the Advent weekends, one can feel the true magic of giving and sharing – surrounded by delightful scents, comforting flavors, handmade treasures, and heartfelt details.
A place to offer a touch of Christmas enchantment to those you love – and to gift yourself a moment of peace and quiet joy.