Nova Ponente and Monte San Pietro: Two gems among the Dolomites of Val d’Ega
These two small South Tyrolean villages in the heart of the Val d’Ega are the perfect destination for those seeking authenticity, nature, and peace. Between fairytale forests, alpine huts, sacred art, and outdoor activities, Nova Ponente and Monte San Pietro offer unforgettable experiences in every season.
Nova Ponente: History, nature, and sports at 1,357 meters
An ancient settlement, a sustainable community
Nova Ponente is a village rich in history: inhabited as early as between 5700 and 5000 B.C., it first appeared in documents in 1145 as “Nove,” while its German name “Teutscnofen” appeared in the 14th century. Today, the municipality counts around 4,000 inhabitants and extends between 418 and 2,799 m a.s.l. on a sunny plateau surrounded by majestic peaks such as the Sciliar, Catinaccio, Latemar, and the White and Black Horns.
Together with its hamlets — Monte San Pietro, Ega, and Obereggen — it is part of the Alpine Pearls, the European network for sustainable tourism.
Hikes, mountain huts, and via ferratas through the woods
Nova Ponente is the ideal destination for hiking in all seasons. The trails lead through meadows, pastures, and forests, with alpine huts that look like something out of a fairy tale. The more challenging hikes lead to panoramic via ferratas and high-altitude paths close to the rocky faces.
A cultural stop not to be missed is Thurn Castle, now home to the town hall and the local museum, where justice was once administered.
Winter among skiing, cross-country trails, and cozy mountain huts
Winter here means fun in the snow: a convenient free shuttle bus connects all the hamlets to the nearby Ski Center Latemar Obereggen, just 7 km away, offering 46 km of alpine ski slopes, runs for tobogganing, and cross-country skiing loops.
Cross-country enthusiasts can enjoy the trails in a romantic way: marked loops lead to remote farmhouses where you can stop for a tasty break in authentic South Tyrolean stube. Moreover, the area between Nova Ponente, Monte San Pietro, Passo Lavazè, Tesero, and Passo San Pellegrino offers over 100 km of well-prepared cross-country trails.
Treasures of sacred art
Nova Ponente also preserves churches of great historical and artistic value, such as the 15th-century Gothic Parish Church with precious wooden altars, the Chapel of Saint Helena with breathtaking views of the Latemar and Sciliar, and the Church of Saint Agatha, which can be reached with a pleasant one-hour walk from the village center.
Monte San Pietro: Spirituality and relaxation among the mountains
Just 7 km from Nova Ponente, Monte San Pietro (1,389 m a.s.l.) is a small village surrounded by nature, where meadows and forests merge in perfect harmony.
Pietralba: A sanctuary and a goosebump-worthy panorama
The highlight of Monte San Pietro is the famous Pietralba Sanctuary, the most visited in Trentino-Alto Adige. Built in the 17th century, it is a majestic Baroque church overlooking a landscape that stretches all the way to the Ortles group — a place of peace and reflection that fascinates both pilgrims and travelers.
The highest golf course in South Tyrol
For sports lovers, Monte San Pietro hosts the highest golf course in the province: an 18-hole course designed by architect Marco Croce, set among the meadows of the Steinach farm at 1,200 m a.s.l. Here, you can play surrounded by silence and the beauty of nature.
Connections and comfort
Monte San Pietro is also connected by a free shuttle to the Ski Center Latemar during the winter season, offering easy access to slopes and lifts without giving up the tranquility of your accommodation.
Two villages, a thousand emotions among the Dolomites
Nova Ponente and Monte San Pietro welcome you with the warmth typical of alpine villages, offering an authentic holiday among quiet forests, sacred art, sports, and traditions. Whether you want to ski, hike, meditate, or simply breathe the pure air at 1,300 meters, here you’ll find your perfect place.
