San Maurizio is perfectly suited for Toerggele afternoons and for hikes on the sunny side of the Valle Isarco
Image gallery: San Maurizio
San Maurizio (St. Moritz), also known as Sauders, is a hamlet belonging to Villandro on the sunny slopes of the Valle Isarco. This small village stretches from the valley floor up to refreshing higher elevations. Located south of Villandro's centre, you can reach it via the Kalten Keller industrial area in Barbiano. Surrounded by meadows and farms, you'll find a rural idyll.
The name San Maurizio derives from the patron saint of the church, St. Mauritius. The little church itself is definitely worth a visit: Inside, nestled in small alcoves, you can admire the Fourteen Holy Helpers - a Baroque masterpiece. The history of the village is palpable. For instance, in 1793, the St. Mauritius Church, along with the surrounding houses, was burned down by French troops. A few years later, Tyrol was ceded by Austria to Bavaria, which was allied with France.
More cheerful traditions are evident in the "Buschenschänke". In autumn, these farm taverns invite you to Toerggelen. Here, you can enjoy new wine, barley soup, Schlutzkrapfen, Krapfen with sweet fillings, and roasted chestnuts. San Maurizio is also an ideal starting point for excursions. Two higher-altitude destinations are particularly recommended: Bagni Tre Chiese (literally: Three Churches) near Barbiano, with its three old chapels, and the expansive Villandro Alp.
On the high alpine pasture, you can breathe in the fresh air and explore the surroundings on numerous hiking trails in both summer and winter. One such destination are the "Königslacken," small lakes near the Church of the Dead, called "Totenkirchl" in the local dialect. According to measurements by Eurac Bozen, this spot is considered the geographic centre of South Tyrol.
