Giornata del Patrimonio: visite guidate all'eremo in italian and german language

The Municipality of Merano is organizing 1-hour guided tours of the Hermit's Chapel and the Hermitage in Val di Nova. Detailed schedules are available online.

For centuries, the Naifbach stream posed a threat to the districts of Maia Alta and Maia Bassa. In an effort to protect the area from flooding, a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception was built at a secluded spot at the entrance to the Naif Valley. In 1703, a hermitage was established next to the chapel. That the hermits, who once prayed and fasted in this remote location, did not fully renounce worldly comforts is evidenced by Brother Peter, who around 1728 petitioned the Merano city council for a supply of wine. The closure of the hermitage in 1782 did not mark the end of its story. The mystical atmosphere of this place continues to captivate visitors to this day.

Guided tours in German with Markus Gamper, staff member of the Merano City Archives: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM

Guided tours in Italian with Eugenio Valentini, staff member of the Merano City Archives: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM

Approach

The hermitage in Naif can be reached by bus lines 1, 225, and 227.