The spring sanctuary of Tre Chiese near Barbiano is a popular destination and one of the most beautiful sites in South Tyrol
Image gallery: Hike from Barbiano to Tre Chiese
From Barbiano, we hike through the village centre with the unmistakable leaning tower of the Church of St. James the Elder. Our goal is a special place: the spring sanctuary of Tre Chiese (Bad Dreikirchen, literally: Three Churches), which truly features three churches built into one another.
We head north along trail no. 3 and 11. Once in the woods, a fitness trail begins. We follow it to the sports field and then continue our climb via a forest track. The inclines are not difficult, with only the final one just before reaching the destination being noticeably steep. After about an hour, we arrive at our destination at 1,120 metres above sea level: the three adjoining churches.
They make this charming site amidst the flower meadows a truly special place. The assumption that a pre-Christian spring sanctuary predated the chapels could not be confirmed during archaeological test excavations. Tre Chiese is also a place for food lovers. Two inns are ready to welcome hungry hikers and pilgrims, ensuring the excursion is a pleasure in every respect.
For the descent, we choose trail no. 6 as an alternative to the outward route. It initially runs south through the woods and then follows the asphalt road down into the centre of Barbiano.
Those who wish to see a little more can continue along path no. 6 to the upper Barbiano Waterfall and visit this natural monument. The waterfalls are also accessible from the village.
Author: AT
Experienced: May 2011
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- parish church of Barbiano (832 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 02:00 h
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- Total route length:
- 6,0 km
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- Altitude:
- from 832 m to 1.142 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +317 m | -317 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 11, 3, "Tre Chiese", 6
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- Destination:
- Tre Chiese (1,142 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Messnerhof inn, Bad Dreikirchen restaurant (both from April to November)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike from Barbiano to Tre Chiese
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops.
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this hike!
