The cultural heart of the Renon with its historic Teutonic Order Commandery
Image gallery: Longomoso
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Just beyond Collalbo, the main village of the municipality of Renon above Bolzano, lies Longomoso (Lengmoos). Culture enthusiasts know this small village for its Commandery, a venue for regular exhibitions, concerts - including children's events - and the Renon Summer Stage.
During the summer months, you can also tour the Commandery building itself, a fascinating structure with a history stretching back to 1211. The Longomoso Commandery was initially built as a hospice and taken over by the Teutonic Order a few years later. The 13th-century old Emperor's Road across the Renon passed through this very spot, where the St. Ulrich Pass once stood. Before 1314, numerous pilgrims travelled to Rome on foot. Since the Isarco Gorge between Colma and Bolzano was marshland and often impassable, they chose the route via the Renon.
The village has a primary school for the German-speaking community, also attended by pupils from neighbouring Collalbo. In the village centre, you'll find a tavern and the Peter Mayr cultural centre. The church, with its imposing tower, is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
Near Longomoso, as in many other places on the Renon, stand impressive Earth Pyramids. These particular formations, located in the Rio Fosco Gorge, have a pinkish-red hue. The bizarre columns of easily eroded rock, protected by capstones, are a unique natural monument.
