Numerous legends surround the small village: Senale is considered the oldest pilgrimage site in Tyrol
Senale (Unsere liebe Frau im Walde, literally: Our Lady in the Woods) lies in a basin, but it is the highest and probably also the oldest village in the municipality. As early as the 12th century, monks ran a small hospice here for travellers crossing the Passo Palade - in adverse conditions, they would accompany them part of the way. In the following centuries, the church was built.
The village developed into a place of pilgrimage, around which numerous legends are entwined. They all have one thing in common, however: The Mother of God is said to have appeared here in the woods - hence the name "im Walde" (in the woods) - to offer help or show the way. Today, the 15th-century pilgrimage church is still a popular destination for hikers, pilgrims and those interested in culture. Inside, it houses carved Baroque altars and a glass-fronted Rococo shrine with the miraculous image of the "Madonna with Child".
If you would like to combine your visit with a walk, the route from Senale to the Passo Palade is recommended. The walk takes only about 50 minutes, but there is much more to discover in the surrounding area. The hike begins at the Widummoos, a scenically valuable wetland.
However, the history of this area goes back much further, specifically 235 million years: Footprints of prehistoric reptiles have been discovered here, dating from a time long before the Alps were formed. The path then leads you along the old pass trail to the Passo Palade, which connects the Merano area with the Val di Non. At the top of the pass, South Tyrol's largest bunker complex, the historic Passo Palade Bunker with its large mineral exhibition, invites you to visit.
