Monte di Mezzo

Monte di Mezzo with its Earth Pyramids stretches between the depths of the Köblbach stream and the Rio Fosco Gorge

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The Earth Pyramids in the Rio Fosco Gorge with Monte di Mezzo above them, one of the many idyllic districts of the municipality of Renon.
Foto: TM, © Peer
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The St. Nicholas Church stands in the village, seen here from the Isarco Valley: Its frescoes by Master Leonardo of Bressanone are worth seeing.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The church was first mentioned in a document already in 1289, but it got its present Gothic form in the time around 1400, when it was extended.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Pointed arch windows adorn St. Nicholas, located at 1,170 m a.s.l.: It red onion dome was added four centuries later, in 1744, and can be seen from afar.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The St. Mary or Maria Saal Church near the village is also well-known - the portrait “Madonna with the Umbrella” is supposed to symbolise protection.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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From the Pyramid Trail no. 24 you have the best view on the Earth Pyramids - nearby is also the wooden-covered Finsterbachbrücke (Rio Fosco Bridge) with its valuable bridge trusses.
Foto: TM, © Peer
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The 2nd and longest stage of the Chestnut Trail, called “Keschtnweg”, leads past below Monte di Mezzo to Sant’Ingenuino (Saubach) near Barbiano.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The landscape invites you to relax: Horse riding, cycling, hiking, breathing clean air and enjoying the sun are on the daily agenda on the high plateau.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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On the winter hike to the Fiè Pond and the Tuff Hut in the Sciliar area, the villages of Monte di Mezzo and Longostagno can be easily seen.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The farms of Monte di Mezzo (Mittelberg) north of Longomoso, with South Tyrol’s landmark, the mighty Sciliar massif, rising in the background.
Foto: ED, © Peer
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Today, the mountain village is bordered by the Rio Fosco Gorge with some of Renon Earth Pyramids in the west and the Köblbach stream in the east.
Foto: ED, © Peer

Seen from afar, Monte di Mezzo (Mittelberg) towers lonely on a terrace between steep precipices: It is a district of Renon, in the centre of which stands the St. Nicholas Church with its red onion dome. The unique frescoes were artistically created by Master Leonardo of Bressanone in the 15th century and only recently rediscovered. Another place of worship is the St. Mary Church in Santa Maria from the 17th century. The charming little pilgrimage church is decorated on the walls with many ex votos of grateful pilgrims as well as an image of Our Lady with an umbrella.

A hike to Santa Maria (Maria Saal), by the way a popular photo motif on the Renon, can be well combined with a visit to the famous Renon Earth Pyramids in the Rio Fosco Gorge. It is located between Longomoso and Monte di Mezzo and offers enough space for these unique clay towers with capstone - erosion phenomena that fascinate young and old. The Earth Pyramids date back to the late Ice Age and are best seen today from the platform on the Pyramid Trail.

A few kilometres separate Monte di Mezzo from the skiing and hiking area of Mt. Corno del Renon. The cable car takes you from Pemmern up to one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in the Alpine region. This natural paradise is home to the "The Fabulous World of Toni" theme trail with Toni the Eagle in summer, and Italy's first winter premium hiking path at 2,000 m a.s.l. in the cold months. In addition, there are of course numerous perfectly groomed ski slopes.

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