A tranquil haven above Appiano: Discover the mountain village of Gaido, the highest-altitude hamlet of the municipality
Image gallery: Gaido
High above the Adige Valley lies Gaid. Not only is it the highest-altitude hamlet, but it's also the northernmost village of Appiano, stretching above Andriano and Nalles amidst the forests of the Mendola Ridge. Even from Bolzano, the imposing rock faces of the Monte Macaion are visible.
Despite its secluded location, Gaido was settled centuries ago. Records from Bolzano's Holy Spirit Hospital in the 14th century mention a small village called "Gaude" at Gaido's present location. A well-marked network of hiking trails and mountain bike routes crisscrosses the meadows and forests surrounding Gaido (Gaid).
Hidden among the trees is a small pilgrimage church dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers. It was built by Eustach Franzin von Zinnenberg from Appiano. Together with the neighbouring Moarhof, it is now a listed building. Votive tablets, two masterful oil paintings, and a baroque altar adorn the church's interior. Other trails lead to the Monte Macaion, Andriano, and Nalles.
By bike, you can explore Predonico and the wine village of Cornaiano. Slightly below Gaido, perched on a porphyry rock high above the Rio Gaido Gorge, stands the keep of Castelforte, or Festenstein Castle, an impressive relic of the Middle Ages. It was first documented in 1220 AD.
