The Church of St. Catherine near Avelengo is a popular photo motif with a legendary boulder
Catherine of Alexandria is the patron saint of both Santa Caterina near Fiè in the Alpe di Siusi area and of Santa Caterina di Avelengo (St. Kathrein bei Hafling) in the Merano region. In this mountain village, the St. Catherine Church stands prominently on a hill, visible from afar. Alongside the grazing Haflinger horses, it's a popular photo motif and a landmark of the municipality.
The hamlet is idyllically situated: Meadows, backed by mountain peaks and forests, give it a special charm. The 13th-century Romanesque church with its Gothic apse houses valuable and well-preserved frescoes. You can view them during guided tours in summer. Below the church, a large boulder lies in the meadow. Legend has it that an enraged giant hurled it there. He had intended to help another giant build the church in Lavenna, but a quarrel over the only hammer escalated.
Until a century ago, Santa Caterina was difficult to reach from Merano. In 1923, a cable car was built from Maia Alta to the hamlet, but its operation ceased soon after with the construction of the road. Since then, Santa Caterina has been easily accessible, also by bus.
The 225 bus line takes you from the town centre to this haven of tranquillity in less than half an hour. From here, you can hike to the Sulfner Pond and admire the water lilies in summer. Santa Caterina is also the end point of the Haflinger Horse Adventure Trail, which begins in Avelengo.
