Winding alleys and a cathedral in the middle: San Paolo is a village of particular beauty and historical charm
Image gallery: San Paolo Appiano
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San Paolo Appiano (St. Pauls Eppan) is hidden among the vines and orchards off the South Tyrolean Wine Road towards Caldaro, but the top of its church tower can be seen everywhere. Those who don't know may wonder what a church of this size is doing in a small village like San Paolo: After all, the tower is an impressive 86 metres high. It was completed in 1647 to tell of the power and wealth of the nobles who settled in San Paolo. And what could be better suited for this than an imposing building of incomparable beauty that can be seen from afar?
Today, the parish church dedicated to the Conversion of Paul the Apostle forms the centre of the village. All around it are narrow, winding streets lined with old houses in the Oltradige Style, mostly with archways and hidden courtyards. In between, one or two castles, such as Guardia Castle and the ruins of Altenburg Castle, are enthroned in the traditional castle region of Appiano. The Appiano High Route, a highlight for hikers and mountain bikers, can also be reached from here.
The wine village knows how to celebrate: Every year, the WineCultureWeeks are held right in the centre with the "Great Gourmet Event". It is an unforgettable experience when delicacies from top chefs are savoured at a laid table under the starry sky together with hundreds of other people. It takes place on a mild summer evening, a few weeks before the equally famous village festival. During Advent, homemade nativity scenes adorn the illuminated windows of the buildings.
