High above Lake Caldaro, the scenic village of San Nicolò, with its two church towers, stands proudly - once a popular pilgrimage site
Image gallery: San Nicolò di Caldaro
The 6th of December is a special date: On St. Nicholas Day, San Nicolò celebrates its patron saint. High above Lake Caldaro, this small village was once known as Mondevinum, a self-explanatory name in South Tyrol's largest wine-growing region. Later, the inhabitants of the Oltradige area simply called the settlement Oberdorf (literally: Upper Village). Following miraculous events in 1733, a picture of the weeping Mother of God was brought from a farm to the church.
From then on, the village developed into a well-known Marian pilgrimage site and received its current name. The image of Mary is a copy of a work by Giovanni Battista Salvi Sassoferrato. San Nicolò (St. Nikolaus) became one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Tyrol.
Today, two church towers characterise the village skyline. The second tower was built only in 1880 to relieve the older one, which appeared dilapidated. When the bells rang, the original steeple vibrated so violently that there was a risk of collapse. Precious frescoes by Bartlmä Dill Riemenschneider from 1530 adorn the church's interior.
A first church is said to have stood here as early as the 13th century. Today, only a few still make pilgrimages to the small village. Instead, many more visitors come seeking relaxation in this district of Caldaro on the Wine Road. The village is characterised by its tranquillity and picturesque charm. Hiking trails and cycle routes invite you to explore the surrounding area car-free. For example, a footpath leads from here up to the Mendola Pass, a destination also for cyclists and motocyclists.
