The small pilgrimage church in Mora is closely linked to the name of one of the first peasant doctors in the Val Passiria
Image gallery: Mora
The Passirio River forms the border between Mora (Mörre) and the neighbouring Valclava: Mora thus also marks the municipal boundary between San Martino and San Leonardo in Passiria. There is no real village centre here. The farms are scattered across the slopes, with a charming little church enthroned in their midst. This area can be explored on the leisurely Val Passiria Panoramic Trail, which leads along the slope from San Martino via Mora and Sant'Orsola to Saltusio.
If you descend into the valley at the end of the walk, you will come directly to the Val Passiria Cycle Path. It leads from San Leonardo along the Passirio River to the spa town of Merano. A local legend connects the slopes of the Monte Mora (Mörreberg) and the hamlet with Matthias Pichler, known as "Mörrer Hias", one of the region's first peasant doctors known by name. At that time, in the 18th century, distances were long, medical care was difficult, and a peasant doctor was highly respected. The church mentioned above is also associated with his name.
A merchant is said to have sold him an image of the Virgin Mary in 1739, a copy of a painting by the Italian Baroque painter Giovanni Battista Salvi. Matthias Pichler had taken over the Mörrerhof from his father - he was in financial difficulties and hung the picture in the bedroom and later in the parlour. Many people came to him and found healing and comfort with him and the image. He soon gained a good reputation as a "peasant doctor", and even patients who had been given up on found healing in Mora. At that time, he founded the Chapel of the Presentation of Mary.
Both works were transferred to the newly built Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady "in der Mörre". A path of reflection leads to this little jewel, which occupies a panoramic spot high above the Val Passiria. The view here extends as far as the Passiria.Merano Golf Club.
