Culture & Art in Vinschgau valley in South Tyrol

Ancient roots, vibrant present

In Vinschgau valley, history, faith, and living tradition come together. Between Romanesque churches, medieval castles, and Alpine architecture unfolds a cultural heritage deeply rooted in the landscape and in the hearts of its people.

Traditions like cattle drives from the alpine pastures, religious processions, or the Zusslrennen in Prad/Prato are not staged performances – they are part of the natural rhythm of the year, like the harvest or snowfall. Equally impressive are the legacies of past centuries: early medieval frescoes, Marienberg Monastery, Churburg castle, or the ancient marble quarries in Laas/Lasa and Göflan/Covelano.

Yet culture in Vinschgau is not confined to the past. Contemporary art, modern architecture, and international artists build bridges into the present – sensitive, expressive, and always in dialogue with the surrounding environment.

Medieval treasures in Vinschgau

Romanesque churches, ancient frescoes, and unique monasteries

Together with the neighboring Val Müstair in the Engadin, Vinschgau forms one of the most culturally significant regions in the Alpine area. Numerous Romanesque churches and art-historical landmarks bear witness to the valley’s rich medieval past.

Especially impressive is the chapel of St. Stephen near Morter, located close to the castles of Unter- and Obermontani. It was here that one of the oldest known manuscripts of the Nibelungenlied (dated 1323) was discovered – now housed in the Berlin State Library. The chapel is accessible via a short walking trail and offers a quiet glimpse into medieval devotion.

Even older are the frescoes in the church of St. Proculus in Naturns/Naturno, dating back to the 7th century. These are among the oldest murals in all of Central Europe and depict scenes from the life of Saint Proculus – a rare window into early medieval art.

Another cultural highlight is the Marienberg Monastery above Burgeis/Burgusio. Founded in the 12th century, it is the highest inhabited Benedictine abbey in Europe. The Romanesque angel frescoes in its crypt are considered a true art-historical rarity.

More than 30 Romanesque cultural sites in South Tyrol and beyond are connected through the project Alpine Road of Romanesque Art – Stairways to Heaven, inviting travelers to explore medieval heritage across the Alps.

READ MORE

Castles and fortresses

Defensive structures and historic residences in Vinschgau

Vinschgau is rich in castles, palaces, and fortresses – around 40 such sites shape the cultural landscape. Some remain as romantic ruins, others have been lovingly restored and repurposed as cultural venues.

Churburg castle near Schluderns/Sluderno is one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol. Built in the 13th century, it was later transformed into a magnificent Renaissance residence. Its armoury is among the largest private collections of its kind in Europe.

Also rooted in the Middle Ages are Schloss Goldrain castle, now an educational center, and Schloss Kastelbell castle, which hosts an exhibition on the ancient Roman road Via Claudia Augusta.

A popular destination is Schloss Juval castle at the entrance to the Schnalstal valley. It houses one of Reinhold Messner’s Mountain Museums and merges nature, art, and alpine history.

Many of these historic walls come to life each year during the South Tyrolean Medieval Games – a vivid spectacle of sword fights, market life, and medieval flair that brings history to life.

READ MORE

Lasa Marble and artistic heritage

Craftsmanship tradition and modern sculpture in Vinschgau valley

In addition to its historical architecture, the Vinschgau valley is also a center for artistic crafts and sculpture. Particularly famous is Laas/Lasa marble, a radiant white natural stone from the quarries near Lasa/Laas and Göflan/Covelano. Already used in antiquity, the marble vein was rediscovered in the 19th century and experienced a renaissance in architecture and sculpture.

Today, the marble is in demand internationally – it was even used in the subway station at Ground Zero in New York. Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the marble’s history and processing.

A key center of stone craftsmanship is the vocational school "Johannes Steinhäuser" in Laas, where sculptors and stonemasons are still trained today. Among its graduates are internationally renowned artists such as the duo Venske & Spänle.

Other artists have also shaped the rich cultural heritage of the Vinschgau. Foremost among them is Paul Flora, who was born in Glurns/Glorenza. The illustrator and caricaturist worked for publications such as Die Zeit. The Paul Flora Museum in the church gate of Glurns honors his life and work.

LEARN MORE

Contemporary Architecture in Vinschgau

Between tradition and innovation

Vinschgau valley is known not only for its Romanesque churches and historic castles – modern architecture also has a place here. Numerous buildings from recent decades show how tradition and contemporary design can blend harmoniously. Architects such as Werner Tscholl, Walter Dietl, Christian Kasteller, Arnold Gapp, and Heike Pohl are shaping the image of an architecturally ambitious valley.

A particularly striking example is the red PUNI cube in Glurns/Glorenza – a 13-meter-high brick structure with a checkerboard pattern, designed by Werner Tscholl. Opened in 2010, it is Italy’s first whisky distillery and an architectural statement that has attracted attention far beyond the region.

With the same sensitivity, Tscholl also designed the new monastery library of Marienberg. Without altering the monastery’s historical silhouette, a modern reading room was built in the former manor garden – the main library, housing around 90,000 books, lies hidden underground. Clean lines, exposed concrete, and a minimalist design language create a quiet dialogue with this spiritual place.

LEARN MORE

Markets, Cattle Drives, and Religious Processions

Regional, sustainable, traditional

Not only symbolic rituals, but also seasonal festivals and religious celebrations play a major role in Vinschgau valley:

The late-summer cattle drive (Almabtrieb) marks the end of the alpine grazing season. Adorned with decorations, the animals return to the valley – an event symbolizing gratitude, harvest, and the rhythm of life.
Sacred Heart processions, Corpus Christi, patron saint festivals, and traditional markets structure the church calendar – always accompanied by music, traditional costumes, and regional cuisine.
Especially atmospheric: the Advent and Christmas market in Glurns/Glorenza, with its medieval charm.

These events reflect a lived faith and village community – not staged, but deeply rooted.

Traditions as the Heartbeat of Vinschgau

What sets Vinschgau apart is not only the variety of its customs, but also their depth and authenticity. Whether mountain fires, demonic masks, poetic verses, or white bell costumes – all speak of a bond with nature, faith, hope, and community.

These traditions are more than folklore: they are lived identity – and invite you to watch, understand, and connect emotionally.

The Zusslrennen in Prad

Noise Against Winter

One of the most original traditions is the Zusslrennen, celebrated every year on “Unsinniger Donnerstag” (the Thursday before Shrove Monday) in the village of Prad am Stilfserjoch/Prato allo Stelvio.

The "Zussln" are figures dressed in white and decorated with colorful paper flowers, wearing large cowbells around their waists. Leading the parade is a symbolic white horse pulling a plow – usually portrayed by a man in costume who trots through the village like a horse. He is followed by farmers with their "Zussln", farmhands, maids, and the “plow woman”.

The loud ringing of the bells is meant to drive winter out of the valley and “wake up” the grain – an ancient spring and fertility rite that has survived only in this form in the Upper Vinschgau. Today, the tradition is a colorful spectacle and a vivid expression of rural symbolism and the hope for a good harvest.

The Maschgertanz in Prad

A living masked dance with mysterious origins

In Prad am Stilfserjoch/Prato allo Stelvio, the Maschgertanz has survived as a carnival ritual deeply rooted in local folk culture – and yet difficult to interpret clearly. Twice a year, on Carnival Sunday and Shrove Tuesday, the “Maschger” – masked couples in elaborate costumes – parade through the village. Led by the “Bajaz” with his distinctive pointed hat, they enter local inns and perform dances following fixed choreographies – silently, and with a mix of dignity, mischief, and grotesque.

The group consists of eight stylized pairs, including Lady and Gentleman, Farmer and Farmwife, or the “Zillertoler” and “Zillertolerin” – each with its own mask, gestures, and role. Especially striking is the final pair: “Zoch and Pfott”, portrayed as ragged, crude figures with overt symbolism. Their movements are widely seen as references to fertility and ancient fertility rites.

Various theories exist about the origins of the Maschgertanz: some interpret it as a wedding procession, others as a dance of death – its mysterious silence and the line of dancing couples evoke medieval depictions of death. Regardless of its meaning, the Maschgertanz is a unique expression of Vinschgau tradition, still preserved with great dedication.

The Klosn in Stilfs

A masked ritual with ancient roots

Another unique winter custom is the so-called Klosn, celebrated during Advent in the mountain village of Stilfs/Stelvio. Young men dress up as Klosn, wearing intricately carved wooden masks, fur costumes, and cowbells. Their task: to make noise and drive out evil spirits and the darkness of winter.

They are accompanied by a figure playing Saint Nicholas, who gives gifts to children. Klosn stands at the crossroads of Christian symbolism and pagan mask traditions. The wooden masks – often handmade by local carvers – reflect a deeply rooted variety of figures from Alpine mythology.

Krampus and Tuifl

Dark Companions of Saint Nicholas

On the evening of December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, Saint Nicholas walks through the villages – but he is not alone: he is accompanied by Krampuses, also known as Tuifl. These frightening figures with shaggy fur, carved masks, horns, and chains embody the evil that has been tamed by the saint.

The origins of Krampus go back to pre-Christian times, likely rooted in fertility rites and winter demon rituals around the winter solstice. In Christian tradition, the Krampus became the dark counterpart to Saint Nicholas.

A special custom: Tuifeltratzen – a test of courage for teenagers, who deliberately approach the Krampuses and try to avoid being marked with soot or struck with a rod. Today, Krampus parades in South Tyrol are elaborate events, still deeply tied to local craftsmanship and ritual symbolism.

Sacred Heart Fires

Faith with Signs of Fire

Every year in June, on Sacred Heart Sunday (the third Sunday after Pentecost), fire signs illuminate the mountain slopes of Vinschgau. The Sacred Heart fires have a double meaning: a religious vow and a pre-Christian solstice ritual.

The origin dates back to 1796. At that time, Tyrol was threatened with invasion by Napoleon’s troops. In this moment of danger, the Abbot of Stams called upon the people to consecrate the land to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a vow that, after the surprising victory against Napoleon, became a lasting pledge.

The fires – usually in the form of crosses, hearts, or Christ monograms ("INRI," "IHS") – are often prepared with immense effort: firewood is carried up to mountain peaks, where large symbols are laid out and ignited at nightfall. An experience that combines spiritual depth with communal effort – and is visible from afar.

Scheibenschlagen

Glowing Wishes into the Night

On the first Sunday of Lent – known as "Scheibenschlag Sunday" – young men gather around large bonfires on hills and ridges throughout Vinschgau. The highlight of the evening is hurling glowing wooden discs into the valley.

These burning discs – made from alder or ash wood – are mounted on flexible hazel rods, held in the embers, and then flung into the night with loud rhyming chants:

“Kas in der Tosch, Wein in der Flosch, Korn in der Wonn – schaug, wie mein Scheibele ausigeat!”

The rhymes ask for good luck, fertility, and a bountiful harvest. Sometimes the disc is dedicated to a loved one – the farther it flies, the more luck it is said to bring. The ritual nature is unmistakable: the combination of fire, fertility, and communal gathering points to an ancient form of spring celebration.

Culture & Art in Vinschgau valley in South Tyrol

Ancient roots, vibrant present

Zusslrennen: Did You Know?

Carnival, Vinschgau style

The Symbolism of the Masks

Variants of the Krampus Tradition

Where Does the Sacred Heart Symbol Come From?

Tradition in practice