Up Close and Personal with Saint Proculus
An Interview with the Koch Family
Up Close and Personal with Saint Proculus

An Interview with Maria and Heinrich Koch

The Good Spirits of St. Proculus

THIS PERHAPS BEST DESCRIBES THE 35-YEAR RELATIONSHIP MARIA AND HEINRICH KOCH HAVE HAD WITH THE CENTURIES-OLD CHURCH OF ST. PROCULUS. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, IT WAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THAT EVENTUALLY CLOSED THIS LONG CHAPTER IN THEIR LIVES, DURING WHICH THEY LED VISITORS ON COUNTLESS TOURS. WE MET UP WITH THE COUPLE AGAIN AND SPOKE ABOUT THE FRESCOES IN THE CHURCH, WHICH REMAIN A SOURCE OF FASCINATION FOR THEM. WE WANTED TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES ST. PROCULUS SO SPECIAL AND WHY SOME VISITORS ONCE CAME BEARING ARMS.

Your involvement with St. Proculus has lasted 35 years. What do you still find fascinating about it?
M: It’s how the church affects me. I’ve looked after it for 35 years, and when I conduct guided tours there I still find the frescoes as fascinating as I did on the very first day. It's amazing how much is concentrated in such a small space, with so much detail and hidden beauty.
H: What fascinates me is the realisation that, despite all the scientific knowledge that man has developed, we still know nothing. The Carolingian frescoes can be interpreted in so many ways, and the important questions of life are still open. Since so little is really known and we’re mostly left to speculate. Our explanations of various aspects of the church could only be based on the different theories that have been put forward. What these painters tried to pass on to us 1,300 years ago, we’ll never know – simply because we weren’t there. The frescoes depict subjects important to the Carolingians … things that had meaning for them. By contrast, frescoes by Gothic painters are more overtly dogmatic.

Is there a particular painting or fresco in the church that stands out for you?
M: The one depiction that still fascinates me to this day is image of the angels adoring the chancel arch with open hands. I especially like the gesture of the hands, as if to ward off evil. And if you look closer, they are the only figures in the church represented with ears! Perhaps it has to do with their proximity to the altar, so they can hear the Word of God.
H: That fact that there are certain depictions that are only found in St. Proculus is also exciting, such as the disproportionately large hands or the Gothic portrayal of the Magi. They were initially portrayed as children, then as adults and finally as old men. What does all this symbolise? Perhaps that Man is on a lifelong quest. What a unique depiction!

After more than 35 years working there, have you seen any change in the type of visitors who come to the church?
H: The type of people who come to visit St. Proculus Church have always been varied, and include regular tourists, school groups and academics. It's a bit of everything. The biggest change in recent years is that cultural tourism has increased a lot. Most of those who came to South Tyrol 35 years ago did so to go hiking and to enjoy the wine. That was about all. That’s changed a lot in recent years.

The frescoes in the St. Proculus Church are 1,300 years old.
What in your opinion is its main attraction, and what is it about this inconspicuous little church that makes it so interesting to visitors?
H: St. Proculus is more than a cultural attraction or just another church. It’s an energy spot! Such places have attracted visitors for centuries, and people always leave something of themselves behind. It’s also true that St. Proculus has been a source of fascination for esoteric visitors and energy diviners. Whichever way you look at it, we can all agree on the fact that St. Proculus Church makes people feel at ease. It’s a place where one can recharge one’s batteries. It isn’t unusual to find families with children in St. Proculus’s garden.

We live in turbulent times with various crises going on around the world. What would you say is the role cultural artefacts play in modern society? To provide social cohesion? Remember how the world looked on horrified when the Notre Dame caught fire, or when IS destroyed ancient monuments in Syria and Iraq?
H: Cultural monuments are rallying points for society; places of identification. These days, locals hardly notice them anymore as they are taken for granted. The fact that works of art in many historic buildings resonate with contemporary events somehow surprises people. In St. Proculus, there’s the fresco of Mary fending off the arrows of the Plague with her mantle, which seems so appropriate during the Covid-19 pandemic. I would say that people nowadays are turning back to culture and history. Obviously, I see this as a positive development.

So, these monuments aren’t just lifeless buildings?
M (laughing):
No, they aren’t lifeless. On the contrary, they are very much alive and if you pay attention, you’ll find they have the most fascinating tales to tell.
The church was like a second home for Maria and Heinrich.
The outwardly inconspicuous St. Proculus Church hides early Carolingian art treasures dating from about 1,300 years ago. Apart from their age, their artistic value is equally noteworthy. Frescoes include the renowned “Swinger”, Angels, ornamental Celtic bands, a herd of cattle and the onlookers. Next to these frescoes are gothic paintings.
For those interested in delving further into its history, there’s the Proculus Museum just opposite. Archaeological relics depict human activity in the area of Naturns/Naturno, from late Antiquity to the devastating Typhus Epidemic of the 17th Century.
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⛰ 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 – 𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀⛰

Since 1985, the Merano High Mountain Trail has guided hikers through one of South Tyrol’s most breathtaking landscapes – circling the Texel Group, with stunning views, rustic mountain huts, and living traditions. ✨

As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we honor not just a trail, but all those who built it, maintain it, and keep it alive with their passion.🥰 Here’s to 100 kilometers of nature, culture, and unforgettable moments – and to many more years at high altitude!❤

📸: Naturno Tourist Association_Fotostudio2000

#naturns #naturno #meranohighmountaintrail #40years #hiking #mountains #outdoor #whataview #inthemountains #southtyrol #südtirol #wandern #meranerhöhenweg #berge #aussichtgenießen #texelgruppe #altoadige #altaviadimerano #escursioni #montagne #bellavista

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 3 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

⛰𝟰𝟬 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗛ö𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘄𝗲𝗴 – 𝗘𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗴, 𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘁⛰
(1985-2025)

Seit 1985 führt der Meraner Höhenweg Wanderer durch eine der schönsten Landschaften Südtirols – rund um die Texelgruppe, mit grandiosen Ausblicken, urigen Hütten und gelebter Tradition.✨

Zum 40-jährigen Bestehen feiern wir nicht nur einen Weg, sondern auch all jene, die ihn geschaffen, gepflegt und mit Leben erfüllt haben.🥰 Ein Hoch auf 100 Kilometer Natur, Kultur und unvergessliche Momente – und auf viele weitere Jahre in luftiger Höhe!❤

Was ist euer Lieblings-Teilstück auf dem Meraner Höhenweg?👇

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

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⛰𝟰𝟬 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹’𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗮 𝗱𝗶 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼 – 𝗨𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗲⛰

Dal 1985 l’Alta Via di Merano accompagna gli escursionisti attraverso uno dei paesaggi più affascinanti dell’Alto Adige – attorno al Gruppo di Tessa, con panorami mozzafiato, rifugi autentici e tradizione viva.✨

Nel 40° anniversario non celebriamo solo un sentiero, ma anche tutte le persone che lo hanno creato, curato e animato con passione.🥰 Un brindisi a 100 chilometri di natura, cultura e momenti indimenticabili – e a tanti altri anni in alta quota!❤

Qual è il vostro tratto preferito dell’Alta Via di Merano?👇

📸: Associazione Turistica di Naturno_Fotostudio2000

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Naturns  I  Naturno

✨𝗡𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀✨

Am 9., 16., 23. und 30. Juli 2025 ist es endlich wieder soweit!🥰 Nacht der Lichter im Zentrum von Naturns geht in die nächste Runde.✨ Genießt die besondere Atmosphäre, lasst euch kulinarisch verwöhnen und erlebt stimmungsvolle Unterhaltung unter freiem Himmel.😍

Euch erwartet:
🎶 Live-Musik auf mehreren Plätzen
🍷 Regionale Köstlichkeiten & Sommerdrinks
🛍 Ein Manufaktur-Handwerksmarkt auf dem Rathausplatz
🛒 Shopping bis 22:00 Uhr
🤹‍♀️ Kinderprogram: Bungee Trampolin, Riesenrutsche & Kinderschminken
🌟 Und jeden Mittwoch ein ganz besonderes Highlight - Feuershow, Clown Pepe und vieles mehr!

Kommt vorbei, schlendert durch das festlich beleuchtete Zentrum und erlebt unvergessliche Sommerabende voller Genuss und Emotionen.❤

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✨𝗡𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗶 𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼✨

Il 9, 16, 23 e 30 luglio 2025 è di nuovo il momento tanto atteso: la Notte delle luci nel centro di Naturno torna con nuove emozioni!🥰
Godetevi l’atmosfera unica, lasciatevi viziare dalle specialità culinarie e vivete serate indimenticabili all’aperto.😍

Vi aspettano:
🎶 Musica dal vivo in più punti del paese
🍷 Specialità locali e freschi drink estivi
🛍 Un mercatino artigianale sulla piazza del municipio
🛒 Negozi aperti fino alle ore 22:00
🤹‍♀️ Programma per bambini: bungee trampoline, scivolo gigante & truccabimbi
🌟 Ogni mercoledì uno spettacolo speciale – spettacolo con il fuoco, il clown Pepe e molto altro!

Venite a trovarci, passeggiate tra le luci scintillanti del centro e godetevi serate d’estate piene di emozioni, gusto e magia. ❤️

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naturns_naturno

🔥𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 – 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱🔥
A shining symbol of faith and unity

This Sunday, the traditional Heart of Jesus Fires will once again be lit across South Tyrol – an impressive custom deeply rooted in the region’s history and faith.❤ The fire, symbolizing the sun ☀️, stands for healing, fertility, and blessings for people, animals, and nature. ✨

Don’t miss this unique experience – be there when the mountains light up on June 29!🥰

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Santer Peter; Bauernjugend Naturns

#naturns #naturno #mountains #sacredheart #sacredheartfire #whataview #traditions #southtyrol #südtirol #berge #herzjesufeuer #aussichtgenießen #altoadige #montagne #tradizione #altoadigedascoprire #altoadigedavivere

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 7 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

🏡 Wie gut kennt ihr Naturns wirklich?
Wusstet ihr, dass unsere Gemeinde nicht nur aus dem Hauptort besteht?🌄

Naturns hat mehrere Fraktionen – jede mit ihrem eigenen Charme, ihrer Geschichte und ihrer besonderen Atmosphäre. 🌳✨

👉 Tschirland
👉 Tabland
👉 Staben

💬 Na, wie viele dieser Fraktionen habt ihr schon besucht bzw. dort Urlaub gemacht? Oder lebt ihr vielleicht selbst in einer davon?

❤Wir sind gespannt auf eure Geschichten, Erinnerungen und Geheimtipps
aus Tschirland, Tabland, Staben!👇

📸: TG Naturns_Santer Peter

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🏡 Quanto bene conoscete davvero Naturno?
Sapevate che il nostro comune non è fatto solo del centro principale?🌄

Naturno è composto da diverse frazioni – ognuna con il suo fascino, la sua storia e un’atmosfera tutta particolare. 🌳✨

👉 Cirlano
👉 Tablà
👉 Stava

💬 Quante di queste frazioni avete già visitato o dove avete trascorso le vostre vacanze? O magari vivete proprio in una di queste?

❤ Siamo curiosi di leggere le vostre storie, ricordi e consigli segreti su
Cirlano, Tablà e Stava! 👇

📸: TG Naturns_Santer Peter

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