Located about ten kilometers southeast of Bolzano, Appiano / Eppan is situated on the South Tyrolean Wine Road, surrounded by the gentle hilly landscape of Überetsch. Characteristic of the region's appearance are the vineyards and orchards. There is no actual town center named Appiano / Eppan, but rather it is a municipality consisting of a collection of nine villages, each with its own place names.
Appiano
Wine
The wine cultivation in the region dates back to the first millennium BC. Wine lovers especially appreciate Gewürztraminer, Kalterer See, Blauburgunder, Weißburgunder, Cabernet, Merlot, and Sauvignon. Walks through the vineyards, visits to wineries, and tastings of regional wines complete a visit to Appiano / Eppan. There are numerous events and leisure activities surrounding wine. These include the Wine Safari, which takes place every first Thursday of the month, the Wine Road Weeks in June with the Night of the Wineries, the Wine Educational Trail, and much more.
Many tourists appreciate the opportunity to explore the region by bicycle. Well-maintained cycle paths lead along the South Tyrolean Wine Road through the harmonious landscape, as well as to the wineries and sights. In the region, some grappa distilleries can also be visited.
Sights
The rich and long history of the region is still visible today. Numerous castles, historic residences, churches, and chapels can be visited. Also noteworthy is the Überetscher architectural style, a blend of Alpine and Mediterranean architecture. Above St. Paul lies the archaeological site of a Roman villa, whose mosaic floors and frescoes are remarkably well preserved.
High above the Appiano /Eppan village of Missian, the 12th century Hocheppan Castle perches high above rugged cliffs. After restoration, the castle is open to visitors, who can enjoy the historic walls as well as the beautiful gardens and have a refreshment in the castle tavern. Also worth seeing are the castle chapel and its well-preserved frescoes, as well as the chalk tower.
A visit to Sigmundskron Castle near Bolzano is also recommended. The ruins of a medieval castle house one of the Messner Mountain Museums (MMM), initiated by the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner. The Ansitz Zinnenberg in Eppanberg from the 15th century is perfect for celebrating weddings or other occasions in a stylish ambiance.
For those interested in sacred art, the churches, chapels, and wayside shrines in Eppan combine simplicity and beauty. A visit to the 18th century Gleifkirche on the Kalvarienberg Eppan also offers a magnificent view of the surroundings. The parish church of St. Paul is also known as the "cathedral in the countryside." Above St. Paul on the St. Justina Path lies the St. Justina Church, which features elements in the Romanesque style. In Montiggl, there is the Church of the Three Kings, a late Gothic chapel with a ribbed vault. Near St. Michael is the Maria Rast Church, which was built in the neo-Romanesque style in 1874.
Winter Holidays
Even in winter, the region has a lot to offer for those seeking relaxation. Horseback riding, carriage rides, or snowshoeing and winter hiking allow visitors to enjoy the surroundings. Not far away are the ski areas of Roen, Rittner Horn, Gröden, Alta Badia, and Kronplatz. Ice skating, cross-country skiing, and insights into regional customs round off a winter visit to Appiano / Eppan.
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