Egna and Laghetti: Places of Faith, History, and Hospitality

In the heart of the Lower Adige Valley, surrounded by neat vineyards and elegant arcades, stand sacred places that tell stories of faith, art, and centuries of hospitality. Egna and Laghetti are not just picturesque villages—they are treasures of spirituality, where Gothic and Romanesque architecture blend with tales of pilgrims, artists, and communities deeply rooted in their land.

The Parish Church of St. Nicholas in Egna

Overlooking the historic center of Egna, the Parish Church of St. Nicholas is a fine example of 15th-century Gothic architecture, built on the foundations of an older Romanesque church dating back to the 13th century. The original bell tower, though restored over time, still preserves its impressive height and its distinctive pointed Gothic roof.

Inside the church, visitors can admire the splendid stellar vault, created around 1500, which beautifully adorns the ceiling of the nave. For centuries, Egna belonged to the parish of St. Peter in Ora, but in 1841 it regained its parish independence, restoring a central role to its local community.

The Church of Our Lady of Villa

Among the most refined sacred buildings in the region is the Church of Our Lady of Villa, located in the hamlet of the same name. It is one of the most elegant Late Gothic structures in South Tyrol, celebrated for its slender lines and understated interior elegance—a true gem not to be missed by lovers of Gothic art.

The Klösterle: The Pilgrims’ Hospice in Laghetti

Few know that in Laghetti di Egna stands one of the four surviving medieval pilgrim hospices in Europe: the Klösterle, officially dedicated to St. Florian. The building was erected in 1220 in the Romanesque style and was later expanded in the 14th century to accommodate the growing number of travelers along the Brenner route.

This welcoming place once hosted notable figures, including the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer, who stayed here in 1494 during his journey to Venice. Today, the Klösterle still preserves remarkable architectural elements such as original frescoes, medieval arches, and the coat of arms of the Bishop of Trento—a testament to its religious and cultural importance.

In the 16th century, with the establishment of a market in the town center, travelers began favoring newer accommodations, and the hospice gradually lost its original purpose. Yet its memory lives on, preserved in the stones and decorations that still recount stories of faith and hospitality.

A Journey Through History, Art, and Spirituality

Exploring Egna and Laghetti through their churches and sacred sites is like leafing through a book carved in stone. Each building tells a story; each detail reveals a deep bond between the community and its identity. Whether you seek artistic beauty, a quiet moment of reflection, or traces of travelers from centuries past, here you’ll find more than monuments—you’ll discover the soul of a land.