The heaviest and largest church bell of South Tyrol hangs in the tower of the mighty parish church of Lana di Mezzo
Image gallery: Lana di Mezzo
Lana di Sotto is followed by Lana di Mezzo, or Middle Lana, on the journey through the charming municipality between the Merano countryside and the entrance to the Val d'Ultimo. The buildings gather around the central Tribus Square, where a pharmacy, shops and cafés can be found. A special attraction stood there until recently: the old electric locomotive of the Lana-Postal Railway, which started operation in 1913. It was transferred to the Adige Bridge and can now be visited on its own railway track. The cable car pioneer Luis Zuegg built it: As the train transported mainly local fruit, it soon became known as the "Apple Express". At the car park along the main road, there is still a weekly farmers' market where you can buy fruit and vegetables directly from the farms.
The eye-catcher of Lana di Mezzo (Mitterlana) is the mighty Parish Church of the Holy Cross a little above it, which was built in 1940 in the style of an old Christian basilica. In addition to a massive marble pulpit, the large crucifixion group and a copy of the well-known image of the Virgin Mary by Lukas Cranach the Elder, a 6,248 kg bell is hanging in its tower. It is the heaviest and largest church bell in South Tyrol. Hidden behind the church is the "Nursery in the Convent" - the Galanthus Nursery - and opposite are the information office and the Sader pastry shop.
For those who like to be active, the adjoining districts of Lana di Sotto, Lana di Mezzo and Lana di Sopra offer a varied selection: Tennis courts and a riding stable, football grounds and an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course in summer and an ice skating rink in winter, a bike ride through the apple blossom in spring and a hike with a stop at one of the Toerggele locations in autumn.