The oldest Marian pilgrimage in the Upper Val Pusteria leads to Santa Maria, a sunny village on the slope above Dobbiaco
Image gallery: Santa Maria
First mentioned as a pilgrimage site in 1333, Santa Maria (Aufkirchen) experienced a golden age as early as the 15th century. The granting of indulgences, the arrival of numerous pilgrims and the celebrations for the Friday of Sorrows were major contributing factors. When the original little church became too small in 1470, a Gothic church was built around the expressive miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows. You can still visit this Church of Saint Mary today.
Santa Maria is a sunny hamlet with a few houses that cluster around the charming little church. Slightly further up stands the Chapel of St. Peter on the Mountain. It is also worth mentioning, as it is one of the oldest religious sanctuaries in the Upper Val Pusteria. The path from Santa Maria up to the chapel is lined with meditation stations: granite blocks with bronze reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the Apostle Peter. Once at the top, the little church in the forest welcomes you with its very special atmosphere. It was left to decay for a long time before being renovated.
Its proximity to the main village of Dobbiaco and its location on the slope make Santa Maria a peaceful holiday destination. From Dobbiaco, the road leads uphill to the hamlet. Public transport ensures good connections to the shopping, sports and cultural facilities in the main village.
In winter, when glistening powder snow covers the landscape, the Rienza Ski Center, located near Lake Dobbiaco and a ten-minute drive away, opens its slopes. It is connected to the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort, which extends from Braies through Dobbiaco to San Candido and Sesto.
