EN
Church of S. Vigilio
Siusi allo Sciliar, Alpe di Siusi
Description
As you walk through the woody valley between Siusi and S. Constantino, all of a sudden the church tower of the S. Vigilio chapel towers up before you, out of the blue. This unusual location for a House of God, first documented in the year 1260, is not only a matter of intrigue, ...

As you walk through the woody valley between Siusi and S. Constantino, all of a sudden the church tower of the S. Vigilio chapel towers up before you, out of the blue. This unusual location for a House of God, first documented in the year 1260, is not only a matter of intrigue, but also the origin of countless myths and legends. The chapel was built on an old pagan cult site, during the course of Christianisation. One particular curiosity: At the beginning of spring, on the 21st of March, the shadow of the Sciliar falls directly on the chapel for the last time until the 23rd of September, when it heralds the return of autumn.

The small church is dedicated to the holy Vigilius. Worth seeing are the altar from the early 16th century, as well as the figures and grotesque masks decorating the modillions.

Approach

The church of San Vigilio/St.Vigil is situated in the fraction of San Vigilio/St.Vigil. Coming out of Siusi (in direction of Fiè) we take the road on the right side to the golf course and in direction San Vigilio/San Oswaldo). After 1 km the church is on the left side of the road.

By foot – From Siusi village centre, take the Via Burgfrieden and follow the signposts to S. Vigilio (trail no. 7A), passing by the idyllic Malenger mill, until you come to the Simmele Müller farm. Take a left at the crossroads and, after a few steps, cross the bridge to the S. Vigilio chapel. Take the same route for your return.