Stairways to heaven – The middle ages in the heart of the Alps

The "Stairways to Heaven" build bridges between medieval castles, between Romanesque churches and chapels; they also link historical settlements and cultural landscapes on both sides of the Alpine ridge: from Graubünden (Switzerland) to Südtirol/South Tyrol and Trentino (Italy). The Romanesque wall paintings along the Romanesque Road "Stairways to heaven" are among the most unique cultural treasures from this epoch in Europe.

» Stairways to heaven

In the holiday area South of Südtirol are situated two of the 56 culture sites: the Chapel of Hocheppan Castle near Missian/Eppan and the church of St James in Kastelaz near Tramin.

Chapel of Hocheppan Castle near Missian/Eppan

The extensive castle complex was built by the Counts of Eppan to replace earlier fortifications; since 1211 it has been documented as Hocheppan Castle. The Chapel of St Catherine, built in c. 1180, has a crypt-like lower floor and an upper level with three semi-circular apsidial niches and a flat ceiling. In the triapsidial chapel there are major Romanesque frescoes reflecting Byzantine influence. In Hocheppan, in contrast to other churches, the Virgin Mary and Child occupy the place of Christ in Majesty in the apse. One of the highlights in the Romanesque castle chapel is the cycle of frescoes, considered to be among the finest in the country.

And there's no need to leave the chapel faint for lack of nourishment! The castle tavern spoils visitors in a baronial atmosphere with all kinds of specialities and local homemade delicacies.

Opening times
March – beginning November, closed on Wednesday (except mid September – November)
Tours: Daily from 10.30–17.30 hours (in 3 languages)
Info: Tourist Office Eppan, Tel. +39 0471 662 206

The Church of St James in Kastelaz near Tramin

The building was first mentioned in documents in 1214. The Romanesque nave has a Gothic circular window in the west, a flat ceiling, an offset round apse with an oylet and on the tower a socle with bevelled, square stones, also two rows of coupled pointedarch louver windows, a stone-framed semi-circular door and a low square spire. Major alterations were carried out in c. 1440. The Romanesque frescoes in the apse were executed in c. 1215. Particularly impressive is the show of demonic power in the form of hermaphrodites populating the socle. Two of these hybrids are even stretching towards the upper register, thus demonstrating the juxtaposition between saints and demons. In the apse there is a Majestas Domini portrayal.

Opening times
Beginning March – beginning November ,closed on Sunday
Monday – Saturday from 10–12 and 15–18 hours
Tours: at 11 hours every Friday
Info: Tourist Office Tramin, Tel. +39 0471 860 131