Treasures of Faith and Art between Nalles and Sirmiano
South Tyrol preserves an artistic and spiritual heritage that reveals itself in every corner of the land. Among the cultivated slopes and the quiet villages of Nalles and Sirmiano lie churches and chapels that tell stories of centuries of history, faith, and beauty—places where art and devotion merge, offering visitors an authentic and evocative experience.
Church of San Ulrico (Nalles)
Founded in the 12th century by commission of the Bavarian monastery of Saint Afra in Augsburg, the Church of San Ulrico is a Baroque jewel that still dominates the heart of Nalles today. From the original structure remain the Romanesque bell tower and the Gothic baptismal font with inscription. Between 1810 and 1814, it was restored by the architect Mattäus Wachter—the same who designed the parish church of Caldaro—and inaugurated by Bishop Count Emanuel Thun. The interior is a splendid example of South Tyrolean sacred art, with concave walls in the central nave, typical of the Baroque style, and frescoes of remarkable beauty that invite contemplation.
Church of the Sacred Heart (Sirmiano di Sotto)
Built in 1843, it is one of the few churches in South Tyrol dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Apparently simple from the outside, it preserves inside an elegant Baroque altar dating from 1713, brought here from a pre-existing church. The bell tower was completed in 1857, giving the little church a harmonious silhouette that blends beautifully into the rural landscape.
Church of Santa Apollonia (Sirmiano di Sopra)
This small church stands on a porphyry hill in a panoramic position, once the site of an ancient pre-Christian settlement. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it was originally dedicated to San Pelagio, a martyr saint venerated in the Alpine regions. Particularly noteworthy is the stone portal from the 1500s, a testimony to the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. The atmosphere surrounding the little church is one of deep peace and mysticism.
Chapel of Santa Croce (above the Nalserbach farmstead)
Once a popular pilgrimage site for local faithful, the Chapel of Santa Croce stands along an ancient Via Crucis that linked Nalles to Prissiano. Inside is a wooden crucifix venerated especially during Lent, to which pilgrims once turned for grace and protection. Today it is a place of peace, perfect for a meditative pause during a walk in the countryside.
An Itinerary of Sacred Art and Spirituality
Visiting these churches means not only admiring works of art, but also immersing oneself in a living cultural heritage that tells stories of community, faith, and resilience. These are places where time seems to stand still and every detail—from the bells to the altarpieces—speaks of the profound bond between humankind and nature, between earth and sky.