Amidst orchards and vineyards stretches the extensive grounds of the Appiano Golf Club: It is known as “The Blue Monster”
Image gallery: Riva di Sotto di Appiano
On the western edge of the market town of Appiano are the houses of Riva di Sotto (Unterrain) below the Monte Macaion. Farms dedicated to fruit growing and a few old manor houses such as the Hungerhausen Residence are scattered along the road towards Andriano, surrounded by wide apple orchards and vineyards. One building is the small church, which was dedicated to Saint Nicholas in 1512 AD. This protector of traders and travellers was chosen on purpose: There used to be a customs station in Riva di Sotto. The tower was added to the church in the 17th century.
In spring, the sweet scent of apple blossoms accompanies every walk or bike ride. The old road that connects the Pillhof industrial zone with Andriano runs parallel to the new MeBo motorway in the distance. The spring hike from the orchards in the Adige Valley to the Lipp tavern in Predonico is particularly popular. During the 3-hour journey of discovery through the countryside, you can plan a break with a marvellous panoramic view and South Tyrolean delicacies.
At the edge of Riva di Sotto, the new Appiano Golf Club was harmoniously integrated into the orchard landscape a few years ago. The clubhouse with restaurant can be seen from the road, behind it stretches the 9-hole course, which was named "The Blue Monster" because of its water features - in contrast to the jointly managed "The Mountain Beast" on the Passo di Costalunga.
