“Freiberg Heilig Kreuz” is called the first church of Montefranco, a little hamlet on the slopes of the Val Venosta Monte Tramontana
Image gallery: Montefranco
The Monte Tramontana separates the Val d'Ultimo valley from the Val Venosta valley, where it gently descends to the valley floor. On its slopes and below are several villages that belong to the municipality of Castelbello-Ciardes. One of them is Montefranco (Freiberg), whose church was already built in 1815 and is known today as "Freiberg Hl. Kreuz" (Montefranco Holy Cross). The choir, tower and sacristy characterise this charming little village chapel.
Montefranco, or more precisely the "Alte Säge" car park, is an ideal starting point for hikes in the warm season and for ski tours in winter. Incidentally, this hikers' car park really owes its name to a saw: The old saw of Montefranco can still be seen next to it. Parts of the paths are passable by MTB and e-bike, making the Monte Tramontana a popular destination for active holidaymakers and locals. Its counterpart rises on the other side of the valley - the steppe-like Monte Sole.
From Montefranco, you can discover the Covolo Lakes and the eponymous alpine pasture, the Malga dei Cirmoli hut and its mountain lake, the Tarres and the Montefranco Mountain Huts. Here at an altitude of almost 1,700 m, a South Tyrolean Marende with cold cuts, spreads and black bread taste even better. Also the hike to the Marzon Hut can be done from the mountain hamlet.
