San Candido

Occupying a northerly position in Italy’s South Tyrol, close to the Austrian border, lies the alpine village of San Candido, also known as Innichen. Clasped in the scenic splendour of the Dolomites, which rise up like a protective wall, the village’s most noteworthy landmark is the 8^th century Innichen Abbey. Putting San Candido on the map for many sightseers, the church is significant as one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in the Alps. A Benedictine monastery, the collegiate church was once a place of devout pilgrimage and today visitors can admire the Romanesque sculptures, a gothic vaulted interior and a fresco in the south portal created around 1450.

Out and about in San Candido, the village has a relaxed vibe, with a pedestrian area meaning strolling around is easy enough, dropping into small craft and clothing shops. At some point everyone ends up in the pretty square of St Michael’s for a coffee or drink, surrounded by the pastel-hued shuttered buildings and the grandeur of the 12th century parish church of San Michele with its onion-turreted steeple. Anyone wishing to delve deeper in the area’s history can investigate the DoloMythos Museum in San Candido, revealing the wonders from the earth including reptile bones, dinosaur fossils, crystals, healing plants and the discovery of gold; great fun for all ages.

The village of San Candido is also part of the Tre Cime National Park, within the Pustertal valley. Promoting conservation for wildlife habitats, Tre Cime is an incredibly scenic place for hiking and biking, framed by the iconic ‘three peaks’. In winter, skiers head up into Mount Baranci’s ski slopes and in summer, don’t let the lack of snow stop your fun, try the ‘Funbob Haunold’ a 1,750-metre aluminium run that curves down the grassy slopes, designed for maximum thrills.