Chiesetta di San Valentino Church

Chiesetta die San Valentino is a church is located above Trauttmansdorff Castle. The small church occupies a remarkable location, surrounded by steep vineyards and offers sweeping views across the Merano countryside.

The present church was first documented in 1273. The round-arched windows of the Romanesque bell tower date from this period, while the Gothic chancel was added in 1482. Later alterations include Baroque and Neo-Romanesque details.

Inside the church, murals illustrate scenes from the life of St. Valentine. The church and the adjacent historic residence of St. Valentine  are significant examples of the religious and architectural heritage of the Merano region.

From the train station, take the city line 1b in the direction of Trauttmansdorff to the ‘St. Valentins church’ stop and then continue on foot along the country lane to the church.

From Piazza Teatro, follow the signposted cycle path past the summer promenade and up the church slope to Piazza Fontana and then turn right into Via Dante. From there, turn left into St. Valentinus Street to the little church of St. Valentinus. Take care when crossing the ring road to Scena.

We recommend using public transport to reach the church, as parking in the immediate area is unavailable. Public transit options are practical and more convenient. If you prefer to drive, public parking is available at "Parkhaus Obermais", located a scenic 20-minute walk from the church.

Proper behavior and good manners make visiting cultural sites more pleasant for everyone and show your respect for art, culture, and history.

• Time is relative – but opening hours are not! Please respect them – the staff will thank you. Musicians also appreciate a punctual audience.

• Photography is sometimes okay, but not always. What is allowed or not is usually clearly indicated in front of or inside the cultural sites. In any case, flash photography is prohibited in front of every picture and all historical frescoes and paintings!

• It's good for the atmosphere, good for other visitors, and of course, good for you too: When all cell phones are silent and voices are quieter, it's simply more enjoyable in museums and churches. For those traveling in small groups, this might not be so easy. But it can be done.

• It's acceptable in cinemas, but not in churches: Eating and drinking are forbidden. So is smoking. And trash cans have their purpose right there in their name.

• Clothes make the person – this is especially true in religious sites. The advice to cover your shoulders and thighs is always a good one.

• The ground can be uneven, and stairs can be narrow and uneven. Take one step at a time, and you'll be on the safe side.

• Even today, people with disabilities don't have barrier-free access to all cultural venues. If they do, they should be given priority. It's a matter of dignity—theirs and yours.

• It's helpful if your pet has learned to wait for you outside, as pets are not allowed in most cultural venues.

• Check the emergency exits and evacuation plans in case of an emergency. If this happens, the most important thing is to remain calm, go outside, and wait at the assembly point.

We understand that most of these tips are common sense to you. And yet, it's easy to forget one or two. By following these basic rules—being calm, mindful, and respectful—you'll be doing your community, future generations, and yourself a great service.