Madonna di Pietralba Pilgrimage Site

On the Monte Regolo ridge, 24 km from Ora on the Wine Road, the Madonna di Pietralba Pilgrimage Site (Maria Weissenstein) rises impressively. This popular excursion destination dates back to a Marian apparition in 1553, when Leonhard Weissensteiner, a hermit, fell into a deep gorge and the Virgin Mother appeared to him. From then on, the original chapel commemorated the event: Over the centuries, it has been developed into an impressive pilgrimage site.

The present Baroque pilgrimage church with its magnificent high altar covered with gold and silver leaf dates back to 1638, in 1722 the monastery next to it followed. The vault frescoes are by Adam von Mölk from Vienna. Votive tablets decorate the interior, as well as the original chapel. Outside there is the Chapel of St. Peregrin Laziosi, patron saint of cancer patients. However, the façade with the staircase, in front of which Pope John Paul II spoke to the pilgrims in July 1988, is well known far beyond the borders thanks to live broadcasts. Madonna di Pietralba can also be reached on a hike: A Way of the Cross with 14 stations starts in Laives, a shorter route starts in Aldino (30 minutes).