Numerous legends entwine around the small village: Senale is considered the oldest place of pilgrimage in Tyrol
Senale is idyllically situated in a hollow, but is nevertheless the highest village in the municipality and probably also the oldest. Already in the 12th century, monks managed a small hospice for travellers over the Passo Palade here - in adverse conditions, they also accompanied them for a stretch. In the following centuries, the church was built and Senale became a place of pilgrimage around which numerous legends entwine. But they all have one thing in common: Our Lady appeared here to give help or to be a guide.
Today, the pilgrimage church from the 15th century is a popular hiking, pilgrimage and cultural destination. The German name of the village, Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde (Our Lady in the Woods) reflects that fact. The building houses carved baroque altars and a glazed rococo shrine with the image of Mary with the Child. If you want to combine the visit with a walk, the route from Senale to the Palade Pass is ideal. It only takes 50 minutes, but there is much more to see around it...
The hike starts at the Widummoos, a valuable wetland area and biotope right next to the centre of the village. In this area, history goes back much further, 235 million years to be precise: Imprints of prehistoric reptiles were found here, dating back to a time long before the formation of the Alps. The trail then follows the old Jochweg path to the Palade Pass, the connection between Merano and the Val di Non valley. At the top of the pass, the historic Passo Palade Bunker invites you to an interesting journey into the inside of the tunnel.
