The southern gateway to Bressanone is characterised by its pretty village centre with its alleys and the ancient St. Margaret Church
Image gallery: Albes
In the south of Bressanone, at about the same altitude, is Albes. The area was already inhabited in the Bronze Age, Albes was then first mentioned in a document in 955 AD as Allpines. The village is protected from north winds by Mt. Musberg, so the climate is mild: Spring arrives earlier than elsewhere, the golden autumn lasts longer than in the rest of the valley, and vines thrive splendidly here. Even copper was mined in the past. Only during the Second World War, Albes was more threatened by bombs than other villages because of the nearby railway bridge.
Parts of the enchanting village centre are today under ensemble protection. The parish church is dedicated to St. Hermagoras and Fortunatas and dates back to the 14th century, but it is probably much older. The oldest church in the village, however, is the St. Margaret Church on the other side of the street, which was built before 1000 AD. Around the village alley of Albes (Albeins) are the school and kindergarten, the information office, shops and farms.
In winter, the Plose attracts sledgers, winter hikers, skiers and snowboarders. In summer, you can go on a discovery tour on foot or by bike: The hikes are not demanding, rather pleasant walks in the valley basin to Cleran or to Stufles, the oldest district of Bressanone. The Albes Theme Trail tells local legends and interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the area. By bike, you can reach the medieval town of Chiusa and Bolzano on the Valle Isarco Cycle Path from Bressanone.
