In the north of the low mountain range of Tesimo, the so called “Tisner Mittelgebirge”, lies the basalt hill of St. Hippolyt, which is visible from far and wide. The hill offers a unique panoramic view far over the Adige Valley. No less than 20 villages and 40 castles can be seen from up here.
Its exposed position made it one of the oldest prehistoric settlement sites in South Tyrol. Finds of Neolithic arrowheads, blades and mortars show that people lived here as early as the 4th millennium BC, almost 6,000 years ago. An attentive visitor can still see depressions in the hewn rock walls and cup-markings all over the hill, which give us an insight into the life and cults of the former inhabitants.
Today, the church of St. Hippolytus, first mentioned in 1288, dominates the hilltop. However, the small, formerly Romanesque church is probably much older – not least because of its rare patron saint. The church was rebuilt in Gothic times and a tower was added at the end of the 17th century.
The church is only open on certain holidays. However, the hill offers a wonderful panoramic view all year round.
The church is reached by a path of reflection built in 2010 in memory of Pope John Paul II. Six bronze reliefs depicting the mysteries of the Rosary of Light and a portrait of the late Pope await the pilgrim along the way. They are works by the artist Robert Giovanazzi from Merano, which were realised by the art founders Stefan and Vinzenz Dirler, natives of Prissiano.