Europe’s highest sparkling wine cellar and a fossil exhibition in the heart of the Salten plateau
Image gallery: Meltina village
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Meltina village (Mölten Dorf), the heart of the municipality of Meltina on the Monzoccolo plateau, is a charming place with a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation. The bright larch forests of the Salto, fragrant coniferous woods, and flowering meadows invite you to spend relaxing days surrounded by nature. The village's history stretches far back in time: The name derives from the Lombard castle Maletum, which was destroyed by the Franks in the 6th century.
The village centre extends between Schermoos, the Rio Meltina stream, and the Meltina Road. At the transition between the lower and upper village, called Unterdorf and Oberdorf, stands the Parish Church of the Assumption, with its Gothic and Renaissance stylistic elements.
Those interested in culture should definitely admire the Coronation of Mary on the high altar and the predella on the side altar - a depiction of the Death of Mary from the school of the renowned painter and sculptor Michael Pacher. Meltina village, however, has much to offer not only culture enthusiasts but also nature lovers and gourmands. Two places stand out in particular.
The freely accessible "Fossilia" exhibition presents fossils and minerals from the area around Meltina and the Giogo di Meltina ridge, as well as millions of years old fossilised tree and plant remains. It is located near the Town Hall Square. For those seeking a taste of something special, Arunda - Europe's highest sparkling wine cellar, awaits. Here, at 1,200 metres above sea level, fine sparkling wines mature for 24 months according to the méthode champenoise, crafted from grapes sourced from South Tyrolean winegrowers. The sparkling wine cellar can be visited.
