In the sun village of the Valle Aurina, wood sculptures await you, with three-thousanders rising behind them, and a little Gothic church
Numerous places in South Tyrol are named after Saint James, or San Giacomo (St. Jakob). One of them is located in the Valle Aurina and is known for its wood carving. Until a few years ago, San Giacomo Aurina was home to the only carving school in the wider area. Even after it was relocated to the more centrally located Brunico, the mountain village remained true to the old craft.
The carved wooden masks are still worn today during Krampus parades, and the root masks are also closely associated with the valley. Today, San Giacomo presents itself as an inviting holiday spot on a small hill. Behind it, the mountain giants of the Zillertal Alps rise with their glaciers.
The village's Gothic church is dedicated to Saint James the Greater. A statue of the saint adorns the village fountain on the church hill, its gaze directed towards Santiago de Compostela. It commemorates the fact that the Way of St. James formerly ran from north to south through the Tures and Aurina Valleys. Also worth a visit is the sculpture garden of the artist Jakob Oberhollenzer in the village centre, which you can also reach via the Path of St. Leonard.
This trail is one of the Valle Aurina Sun Paths. It begins at the fountain on the church hill and leads past interesting information stations and wood sculptures. For a change from hiking, you can go horse riding or - in winter - take a ride on one of the toboggan runs in the Valle Aurina.
