Appiano
Appiano, the largest wine-growing area all over South Tyrol, is characterised by castles and grapevines.
Image gallery: Appiano
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The surroundings of Appiano is one of the richest areas in castles on European scale. Embedded among fruit orchards and vineyards, it is located only a stone’s throw from the city of Bolzano. Particularly worth to be visited is Castel d’Appiano and its beautiful castle chapel. In summer the lakes of Monticolo are ideal if you seek refreshment. -
The South Tyrolean Wine Route stretches from Nalles to Bolzano and the Oltradige, via the Bassa Atesina to Salorno. This area comprises about 90% of the South Tyrolean Wine production, including the typical varieties of wine such as the Merlot and Lagrein, as well as the Pinot Girgio and the Chardonnay. By the way, the South Tyrolean Wine Route is the most ancient of Italy. -
Castel d’Appiano, constructed in the period of 1135 - 1130 by Ulrich II, rises in Missiano, a village that belongs to the municipality of Appiano. Once upon a time Castel d’Appiano was considered the most mighty castles of the region. Particularly worth to be visited are the castle chapel with its frescoes, which are considered among the most ancient of the Alpine area. In the interior of the castle, there is also a tavern, offering mouthwatering treats for your palate. -
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“The dome in the countryside”, parish church of the historical wine village S. Paolo, as never seen before. -
The ruin of Castel Boymont, one of the castles you come across in the “Three Castles Hike” in Appiano, as seen from above. -
This view from above offers a breathtaking picture of a varied cultural and natural landscape: golfers among medieval castle walls and the autumnal scenery invite to join in. -
This educational trail at Appiano provides interesting information on wine - Foto: © TV Eppan -
The steeple of the San Paolo church is considered to be the ”pride of Tyrol” - Foto: ED, © Peer -
Appiano Castle Horse Ride, one of the main events - Foto: © TV Eppan -
The Clivio church above S. Michele, main village of Appiano - Foto: ED, © Peer -
Christmas at San Paolo, Appiano - Foto: © TV Eppan -
Those who love wine are famliar with Cornaiano and Colterenzio. In the picture church steeple of Cornaiano - Foto: ED, © Peer -
The little village of Missiano belongs to Appiano - Foto: ED, © Peer
Appiano with its surroundings is known as the “region of castles” and comprises the villages of San Michele, San Paolo, Cornaiano, Riva di Sotto, Frangarto, Missiano, Predonico and Gaido. The municipality of Appiano (200 - 1,800 m asl) counts some 14,000 inhabitants and features the ideal soils for vines and grapes - wine lovers will be delighted.
Vine-growing is the main source of income for farmers in Appiano, a fact that is also reflected by the landscape that is mainly characterised by vineyards and some fruit orchards. Appiano stretches at the slopes of the Mendola mountain ridge, partially on moraine hills of the last Ice Age. Archaeologic findings of the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages testify an early settlement of this area. It is presumed that the name of the village derives from a Roman squire named Appius. S. Paolo is one of his places of residence.
The numerous castles, mansions and residences in the municipality characterise the landscape and the single villages and attract attention. Many castles can be experienced in the frame of a walk and some can even be visited. Others are often venue for concerts and theatre performances. Another attraction are the Monticolo lakes and the protected forest of Monticolo, considered to be recreation centres for the inhabitants of Bolzano. For hikers, there are interesting paths and destinations, such as Castel Firmiano, and the three major castles of Appiano. You are going to read more in the following articles.
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San Michele is the main locality of Appiano and is located in central position at an altitude of 411 m asl. more
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San Paolo is one of the most beautiful villages of Appiano characterised by its church, also referred to as “dome”. more
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Cornaiano benefits from its sun-spoilt location on a plateau at an altitude of 435 m asl. more
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Monticolo, this is how the little village at the lakeside of the homonymous lake is called. more
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Riva di Sotto is located at the border to Andriano and at the north-west border of Appiano. more
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Frangarto extends at the foot of Castel Firmiano, which hosts the Messner Mountain Museum. more
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Missiano is a particularly idyllic village located between San Paolo and Riva di Sotto. more
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Predonico is one of the mountain villages of Appiano and is located on the road to Gaido. more
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Those who are seeking solitude in nature should choose Gaido as destination for their holidays. more
