S. Pietro basilica

In Castelvecchio there are the ruins of the former S. Pietro basilica, located in the middle of the forest.

These ruins are considered to have been part of the most ancient church towers of Tyrol. The walls of San Pietro are today the seventh station of the peace path, which stretches from Caldaro across the beautiful mixed forest of Castelvecchio. This calm place on which the church is located, is appreciated as an oasis of recreation by many hikers.

The S. Pietro church has been constructed in the 4th century, in the period of Christianisation, presumably by S. Virgilius. Its construction method is similar to the one of the historic walls in Aquileira and Milan.

Excavations have brought to light the place of the altar and the position of the chamber of relics. The S. Pietro basilica was used until 1782 and started decaying afterwards. Today frescoes of the 13th century are still preserved. A particular feature is the chiselled indentation in the rock, which used to be the sacrificial altar and the resting place. Behind the church there are 10 bowl-shaped indentations that have emerged around 3,000 BC. Its purpose is not really clear, probably they were used for illumination or as part of a mill.

The S. Pietro basilica is visible behind the church of Castelvecchio and can be reached in a 10-minutes’ walk.