The Predoi show mine and the charming little Church of the Holy Spirit characterise the northernmost municipality in South Tyrol
Predoi forms the rearmost part of the Tures and Aurina Valleys and, after Ponte Gardena in the Valle Isarco, is the smallest municipality in South Tyrol and the northernmost in all of Italy. The area has a long history of mining: Copper was already being mined here on the Rio Rosso stream around 1400 AD.
This mining activity continued for several centuries until the 1970s, when the Predoi Mine finally ceased operations completely. Administrative buildings were constructed in nearby Cadipietra: These are venerable residences which today house museums and municipal offices. In subsequent years, mask carving and bobbin lace-making replaced mining.
The former mine became a site of the South Tyrol Museum of Mining, which is also interesting for families. Another gallery houses the Predoi Climate Gallery, which provides an allergen- and pollen-free microclimate with pure air. Many historically important and strategic border crossings are located in the municipality, including the Forcella del Picco, the Giogo di Santo Spirito and the Forcella del Cane passes.
Today, hikers use these former smugglers' paths and mountain passes, which are designated as border trails and health trails. They show you the beauty of the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park. You can find information about it in the Casere visitor centre, where the Valle Aurina road ends and the paths into the mountains begin. Not far from there is the beautifully situated Holy Spirit Pilgrimage Church, around which various legends are woven.
It is said to absolve those of their sins who manage to squeeze through the split rock. Cows graze all around, and streams rush down from the mountains into the valley. In winter, Predoi is a starting point for ski tours and winter hikes. Stress and everyday life feel pleasantly distant here.
