The old church in the historic village of San Pietro above the spa town of Merano is said to have been built by a dwarf population
Image gallery: San Pietro di Tirolo
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The village of San Pietro di Tirolo (St. Peter in Tirol) adjoins the western moat of Tyrol Castle. The few houses on the sunny slope of Merano stand between Torre Castle and the Rio Grabbach: The site was already settled in prehistoric times and is surrounded by apple trees, vines and woods. Formerly known as Kronsbichl, San Pietro di Tirolo is now a popular starting point for hikes in the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park and a renowned destination for culture lovers.
The highlight is the St. Peter Parish Church, where you can admire Romanesque and Gothic wall paintings. It is said that it was built by dwarfs who wanted to oppose the giants at Tyrol Castle. But as soon as the walls were built, the church was destroyed by the giants. So they mobilised all the workers and built the church in a single night. Finally they placed a sparkling cross on the roof, against which the giants had no power. This is why St. Peter survived.
On the other edge, to the west of the village on the slopes of Mt. Cima Muta, rises Torre Castle. In 1276 it was mentioned for the first time as "Thurm Platzleid", two centuries later the name Thurnstein was added. Today it is a café and hotel. San Pietro di Tirolo is also a popular starting point for hikes: The Lagundo Waalweg path and the Tirolo Culture Trail lead along the sunny slope, higher up you can admire the marvelous landscape of the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park.
