Val Venosta. Part 1

We have just spent a short holiday in the German speaking area of Italy. Alto Adige was incorporated into Italy after the First World war. The province doggedly retains its Austrian roots, right down to the shops being closed on Saturday afternoon. In the area where we stayed in the Val Venosta, many people have trouble speaking Italian. Apart from the landscape it has some medieval treasures tucked away, that I wanted to see.

First off, the most famous landmark in the upper valley. The bell tower emerging from the artificial lake at Resia, is pretty strange. I made the picture everybody makes.

Resia Val Venosta

We decided to climb the Stelvio Pass. Before the stiff climb we stopped at Trafoi. It was fun driving the Alfa up this road. We see in picture, about half of the road that climbs up to the pass.

Trafoi, Val Venosta

Passo dello Stelvio, Val Venosta

Passo dello Stelvio, Val Venosta

We stayed in the little village of Malles. The dawn shot was made from the  the balcony of our hotel room.

Malles, Val Venosta

Malles, Val Venosta

Malles, Val Venosta

Malles, Val Venosta

St. Benedikt church of Malles was erected in the 8th century A.D. Its Carolingian frescoes are among the earliest murals in central Europe. The two portraits of the founders are the most interesting. They show the Bishop of Chur and a Franconian landlord in traditional costume. This portrait is unique in Europe, as there is no comparable representation anywhere else.

St. Benedikt, Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

St. Benedikt church of Malles

Malles

We explored the Vallelunga, that branches of the main valley at Curon. 

Vallelunga, Val Venosta

Vallelunga, Val Venosta

Vallelunga, Val Venosta

Vallelunga, Val Venosta

Lago della Muta

We crossed over the invisible border into Austria. We were fascinated by the little wooden huts.

Nauders, Austria

Nauders, Austria

Nauders, Austria

Nauders, Austria