Tubre in Val Monastero: At the Edge of South Tyrol

Tubre, nestled in the quiet Val Monastero, is the last municipality in South Tyrol before the Swiss border. With its 964 inhabitants and altitude of 1,250 meters above sea level, it is an oasis of Alpine tranquility that preserves an extraordinary artistic and spiritual heritage, while offering authentic landscapes and opportunities for hiking and winter sports.

The surrounding mountains protect the village from northern winds, making it the perfect destination for cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowy walks.

A Sacred Valley: Eight Churches and Precious Frescoes

Despite its small size, Tubre boasts no fewer than eight churches, all remarkably rich in history and sacred art.

• The Church of Saint John (12th–13th century), built on a Greek cross plan in 1383 after a fire, houses two valuable fresco cycles. The first, Romanesque, recalls the Byzantine mosaics of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice, while the second, Gothic, vividly depicts the beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
• The Church of Saint Nicholas, with its 15th-century paintings, tells the saint’s life story through an expressive and symbolic visual language.
• The Parish Church of Saint Blaise, documented since 1201, was transformed into the Baroque style in 1660, probably by an Italian artist. Next to it stands the Church of Saint Michael, reconsecrated in 1493, with well-preserved Gothic frescoes.
• Among the other churches in the village, those dedicated to Saint Martin, Saint Anthony, Saint Roch, and Saint Valentine also deserve a visit, each with its own history, setting, and architectural character.

Forgotten Castles and Medieval Legends

Overlooking the slopes above Tubre are the evocative ruins of two castles: Rotund Castle and Reichenberg Castle.

• Rotund Castle dates back to around the year 900 and was built by the bishops of Chur as a strategic lookout point. Over time, it passed into the hands of noble families such as the Schlandersberg and von Hendl lineages, eventually belonging to the Baron of Heydorf.
• Reichenberg Castle, initially an ecclesiastical property, was ceded in the 12th century to the powerful Lords of Reichenberg, a family feared by locals for its authority and demands.

Today, only the ruins remain of these fortresses, but walking among their remnants offers breathtaking views of the valley and lets you imagine the stories that once made them famous.

Tubre is a hidden gem where the beauty of frescoed churches and medieval ruins blends with the quiet strength of the mountains. If you love sacred art, unspoiled nature, and ancient tales, here you will find an authentic corner of South Tyrol waiting to be discovered.