Rifiano

In between mountains and vineyards, there is the municipality of Rifiano.

> Altitude: 504 metres above sea level

When on your way from beautiful Val Passiria to Merano you feel the climate getting milder and milder, then you have reached the pretty hamlet of Rifiano. Here the gentle climate of the spa town of Merano mingles with the fresh Alpine air and the surrounding vines and sweet chestnut trees are evidence of it.

Rifiano is the most famous pilgrimage site of Merano and surroundings. A legend says that once in long passed times a farmer saw a golden light shining at the banks of the Passiria river. Together with other farmers he drew closer to the light and Our Lady of Sorrow appeared. Followingly they decided to build a chapel right there. But several accidents happend while building the chapel, until one day a flock of birds brought some bloodstained strands to the cemetery near the parish church. So the farmers built the chapel there - and not a single accident happened anymore…

> We suggest: Visit the traditional wine taverns in autumn and try out a white-water boat trip on the near-by Passiria river!