Madonna di Senales: Spirituality, history and alpine landscapes
Located at an altitude of 1,500 metres, Madonna di Senales (Unser Frau) is the largest village in Val Senales. Surrounded by centuries-old farmsteads, silent forests and lush alpine pastures, this place enchants visitors with its serene atmosphere and its deep connection to faith and tradition.
The wooden Madonna and the birth of the sanctuary
The spiritual heart of the village is its imposing sanctuary, overlooking the settlement and the valley below. Its story begins in 1304 with a small wooden statue of the Madonna and Child, carved from beech wood and only 13 centimetres tall.
According to legend, it was left by a pilgrim returning from a journey to the shrines south of the Alps. The precious devotional object was given to a local farming family, marking the beginning of a veneration that would transform the village.
Chronology of the sanctuary:
- 1306: construction of the first chapel
- 1349: expansion with an interior altar
- 1407: completion of the church in Gothic style
- 1756: renovation in Baroque style
Today, the sanctuary is a destination for pilgrimages and cultural visits — a place where sacred art and landscape blend in perfect harmony.
ArcheoParc: A journey into the age of Ötzi
Just a short walk from the sanctuary lies the ArcheoParc, an interactive open-air museum dedicated to the life of Ötzi, the Iceman. Here you can:
- Visit faithful reconstructions of prehistoric dwellings
- Discover survival techniques from the Copper Age
- Take part in experiential activities for adults and children
It’s the perfect opportunity to combine culture, fun and a direct encounter with the ancient history of the valley.
Madonna di Senales is a place that speaks to the soul, where faith and nature meet among the mountains. An ideal retreat for those seeking beauty, history and authenticity in the heart of South Tyrol.
