San Giovanni Aurina

Three villages in the municipality of Valle Aurina, San Giovanni Aurina, San Pietro and San Giacomo, owe their names to their respective patron saints. In San Giovanni, the parish church with its distinctive red domed tower is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It is considered one of South Tyrol's most beautiful Baroque churches and stands near the Weissenbachlhof farm. The church's interior is also noteworthy, featuring an ornate high altar by Franz Schöpf.

Today, San Giovanni is the largest village in the municipality, although the administrative centre is located in the neighbouring Cadipietra. Two small museums tell the story of the valley. One of these is the Oberkofler Museum in the birthplace of the Oberkofler brothers: Joseph Georg is considered an important Tyrolean author of rural novels, while his brother Johann Baptist created numerous paintings and frescoes. In the hamlet of Costa Molini, you may admire an impressive collection of crystals from the High Tauern and the Zillertal Alps at the Kirchler Mineral Museum.

Not far from there is the Platter Sawmill, that has been restored for future generations. The Rio Rosso Waterfall with its marble troughs, located above San Giovanni Aurina (St. Johann im Ahrntal), is a geological feature and a popular destination. One of the Sun Trails "Sunnsat" in the Valle Aurina, the Witches' Path, takes you past the waterfall and up to the Bizat Mountain Hut.

With its playground, a small pond and a petting zoo, it is a great destination for families. In winter, the slopes of the Klausberg Ski Arena are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. For tobogganing, there are two runs, including the pleasant toboggan run at the Schwarzbach Mountain Hut.