The Romanesque St. Giles Church with its old frescoes stands on a rock above Corzes - a hiking and cultural destination
In terms of size, Corzes is smaller than Silandro village, but seems to have grown together with it: Only the main road separates the two villages today, which used to be independent in former times. Here, at the foot of the debris cone of the Rio Gadria on the slopes of the Monte Sole, the Val Venosta shows itself from its sunniest side. Apples, apricots, wine and chestnuts thrive in this mild climate. The interesting history of Corzes dates back to the year 1000.
There are several witnesses of the last centuries, and each one is worth seeing when it is open to the public. Particularly the St. Giles Church is striking, already by its location: Like a rock church it stands on the slope of the Monte Sole in the Val Venosta. The interior walls are adorned with murals from the 13th and 15th centuries, while on the outside a St. Christopher fresco decorates the south façade. The rock is known as the "Schatzknott" and was already inhabited in primeval times: Archaeological excavations nearby uncovered the remains of a prehistoric settlement.
Other ancient spots and places of worship in Corzes (Kortsch) are the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Lawrence, St. George's Chapel, the chapel on the Corzes meadows and the Rosary Way. Where in spring the apple blossom makes the area glow white, in summer the Val Venosta Cycle Path winds its way from the Resia Pass to Merano. In autumn, sweet chestnuts are picked here and grapes are harvested, so that at the traditional Törggelen in October and November, the new wine can be tasted and roasted chestnuts with butter can be enjoyed.
