San Maurizio Sauders nestles on the sunny slope of the Isarco Valley and becomes a popular Toerggele area in October and November
Image gallery: San Maurizio
The district of San Maurizio (St. Moritz), like the main village of Villandro, is also known by two names: San Maurizio and Sauders. The little village stretches from the Valle Isarco valley floor up to refreshing heights. You are south of the centre of Villandro, surrounded by meadows and farms - the short drive up here starts at the industrial zone in Barbiano. The name San Maurizio comes from the church's patron saint: The little St. Maurice Church is worth a visit. Inside, the Fourteen Holy Helpers can be seen in small round-arched niches, a Baroque masterpiece.
Every little spot in San Maurizio radiates history. The church is the first to do so - together with the surrounding houses, it was incinerated by the French in 1793. A few years later, Tyrol was assigned from Austria to Bavaria, which was allied with France. More pleasant things are told by the farm inns called "Buschenschänke", where the family is allowed to serve its own products. In autumn they invite to the Toerggelen with new wine, dumplings, Krapfen and sweet chestnuts.
From San Maurizio Sauders numerous excursions start. Two places above it are particularly worth mentioning: Bagni Tre Chiese near Barbiano, where three ancient chapels can be found, and the Villandro Alp. On this extensive high alpine pasture you breathe freedom. The many hiking trails lead to numerous destinations in summer and winter, including the pond "Königslacken" at the "Totenkirchl". According to measurements by Eurac Bolzano, it is the exact centre of South Tyrol.
