Sant’Elena above the village of San Pancrazio is now a popular hiking destination with a small church in the middle of the forest
Image gallery: Sant’Elena
Sant'Elena is one of ten hamlets that together form the municipality of San Pancrazio in the Val d'Ultimo valley. There are only a few buildings standing at an altitude of around 1,500 metres in the middle of the forest, but this makes the place all the more idyllic and it radiates a special sense of peace. Even from a distance, you can see the Church of St. Helena in a clearing.
Its red roof shines through the trees, showing the way even in winter. The saint is invoked for help during storms and in case of fire. The little church was consecrated in 1698 by the Bishop of Trento, but its history goes back several more centuries. Ornate Baroque statues and a sculpture of the Madonna from 1700 decorate the chancel of Saint Helena.
Other buildings in Sant'Elena include the Helener Bichl mountain inn and the "Haus der Begegnung" (House of Encounter), the former school of Sant'Elena. This is an old farmhouse that can be rented by clubs and youth groups for training courses and conferences. From San Pancrazio or Santa Valburga, ancient paths lead to this high-altitude sanctuary at any time of year.
The winter hike to to Sant'Elena in the Val d'Ultimo starts in the village on path number 5. Be aware that there can be icy patches here in winter. The steadily ascending path will lead you up to the little church in about two hours. If you prefer a shorter hike or are with your family, you can also start from the car park at the Kaserbachhöfe farms on the Monte Marano (Maraunberg). From there, simply follow the signs "St. Helena", as the mountain hamlet is called in German language.
