The Churches of Ora: Two Centuries of History Between Gothic and Baroque Art

Built in the 15th century, the Church of St. Peter stands at the southern entrance of the village. The Gothic-style building is preceded by a Romanesque bell tower dating back to the 12th century — a silent witness to the medieval origins of the settlement.

Inside, it houses a true gem: the oldest functioning organ in South Tyrol, a rare and perfectly preserved example of early organ craftsmanship. Outside, a large image of St. Christopher painted on the southern wall draws attention — according to local tradition, it was painted by Crusaders passing through on their sacred journeys.

A “Sunken” Church

One particularly curious aspect is the church’s position: today it lies lower than the surrounding ground. The reason? Frequent floods over the centuries deposited layers of soil and gravel, gradually raising the land level. According to a local legend, the church once stood atop a hill, and the number of steps once climbed to reach it now matches those descended to enter it.

Because of the repeated floods that often made St. Peter unusable, in 1674 the parish was transferred to the Church of St. Mary, located in the historic center of Ora.

The church was built on the site of the ancient Chapel of St. Jodocus, dating back to the 13th century. The lower part of the current building still preserves the original chapel walls, while the rest was remodeled over the centuries.

Inside, the church is a fine example of Baroque art: particularly striking are the marble main altar with a life-sized statue of the Virgin and the two richly carved wooden side altars. The overall effect is harmonious and welcoming — a reflection of both popular devotion and 18th-century elegance.