Churches, chapels and monasteries shape the villages and cultural landscape of Lana and its surroundings near Meran/Merano. In Lana, Völlan/Foiana, Tscherms/Cermes, Burgstall/Postal and Gargazon/Gargazzone, historic religious buildings tell the story of South Tyrol's history, architecture and religious traditions. From Romanesque frescoes and late Gothic altars to small mountain churches and monastery gardens, there is plenty to discover throughout the region.
Historic Churches and Religious Art Treasures
One of Lana's best-known churches is the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary in Niederlana, home to the winged altar by Hans Schnatterpeck, which stands over 14 metres tall. The Romanesque St. Margaret's Church, with its three semicircular apses and frescoes dating from the early 13th century, is another important attraction for visitors interested in art history.
Other reminders of the area's religious history include St. Anna's Church, St. Agatha's Church, St. Peter's Church and Holy Cross Church in Lana. The surrounding villages are also home to historic churches and chapels: in Tscherms/Cermes, these include St. Sebastian's and St. Anna's churches, while Gargazon/Gargazzone has St. John the Baptist's Church and the Sacred Heart Church. In Burgstall/Postal, the parish church forms part of the village's religious heritage.
Mountain Churches and Chapels around Lana
Some churches stand outside the village centres and can be discovered on walks and hikes. On car-free Mount Vigiljoch stands St. Vigilius Church, which has been known for centuries as a place where people prayed for protection against storms and bad weather. In Pawigl/Pavicolo above Lana, you will find St. Oswald's Church, while the small St. Magdalena's Church in Völlan/Foiana is another historic religious building.
St. Hippolyt Church, on the hill of Naraun/Narano near Tisens/Tesimo, is also a popular excursion destination in the surrounding area. The hill offers wide views across the Etsch/Adige Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Monasteries and Religious Traditions
Alongside the churches, monasteries have also helped shape Lana's history. Lanegg Monastery and the Galanthus Monastery Garden offer insights into the village's monastic heritage and garden culture. The Capuchin Church in Lana is another reminder of its religious past.
Whether you explore the historic village centres or hike to a mountain church, the churches and monasteries of Lana and its surroundings bring together art history, architecture and the South Tyrolean landscape.