Teiserhof Hotel - Your hotel in South Tyrol
Sights in Villnöss
In addition to the beautiful scenery, the Villnöss Valley also has a lot to offer in terms of culture. The little church of St. John Nepomuk in Ranui is world famous.
A baroque jewel with a magnificent mountain backdrop
The Ranui church was donated by the mine owner Michael von Jenner in 1744. The Fleimstal painter Franz Unterberger designed the altarpiece, which depicts Mary enthroned with the infant Jesus and St. John Nepomuk. The life of the saint is also depicted in nine baroque paintings on the interior walls. The star on the copper-covered onion dome is supposedly a reminder of the martyr's death. Indeed, a wreath of stars is said to have encircled the body of John Nepomuk, who was thrown into the Vltava River. Thus, he became a bridge saint, invoked especially as a patron against water and travel hazards. Today, the Ranui church of St. John Nepomuk, situated in a dreamlike setting in front of the Geisler massif, is a popular photo motif. The church of St. Magdalene, which is still important as a place of pilgrimage, can also be visited.
The treasures of the mountains
The Teis Mineral Museum is well worth a visit and is also right on the doorstep of the Teiserhof hiking hotel. Some of the most precious treasures of the South Tyrolean mountains are exhibited here. Inside the Teis spheres, also called geodes, you will see the most beautiful agates, amethysts and rock crystals. In the mineral museum you will not only learn how these beautiful crystals are formed but also where you can find them.
On the trail of the exciting South Tyrolean history
Also reachable on a short hike from Teis are two well-preserved and freely accessible army trenches with caverns from World War I. They once belonged to the so-called "Sperre Klausen", built to counter the threatening entry of Italy into WWI as part of several defensive structures of the Austria-Hungarian kingdom.
Picturesque old towns, culinary delights and culture
The small artists' town of Chiusa and the former bishop's town of Bressanone are only a few kilometres from the Teiserhof, as is the provincial capital of Bolzano and one of its most famous exhibits: Ötzi, the Iceman. In Bolzano you can stroll leisurely through the alleys, taste delicious seasonal dishes and soak up the unique flair of Italian lifestyle blended with Alpine tradition.
