Chapel of Saint Agatha
The building itself is of Romanesque origin, with the later extensive modifications showing ostensibly Gothic elements. The beautiful, stone-framed pointed-arch portal dates from that time, with its figurines of saints, grapevines and a zigzag band in the ogee, with a rod that ends to the left in a root and to the right in a shovel.
The church interior underwent major renovation in the 17th century: the simple sandstone pulpit and richly carved altar date back to that time. Sadly, the free-standing statues were stolen by art thieves. The altarpiece by Orazio Giovanelli, showing St. Agatha and St. Anne with Jesus and Mary, dates back to 1619. Remains of old murals can also be seen on the church. The façade probably shows St. Christopher with the infant Jesus and scenes from the life of the patron saint, while inside parts of a nativity scene are visible.
Location: Nova Ponente
Opening times: The church is closed; the key is kept at the Unterkofelhof farm and may be collected from there.
Tip: The Unterkofelhof is an attraction in its own right. The kitchen and basement possess fine old vaults, while a carved inscription allows the perfectly preserved panelling to be dated back to 1559. The building is much older: the Unterkofelhof is mentioned in 1332 in connection with the church.
Getting directly to the chapel of Saint Agatha by public transport is unfortunately not possible. From the bus stop "Deutschnofen, Kirche/Nova Ponente, Chiesa", following the via Castel Thurn, then the trail n. 5 to the Unterkofl farm and lastly the trail A, will lead to the chapel in about 45 minutes by foot.
By public bus line:
- 181 from Bozen | Bolzano
- 180 and change 181 from Karersee | Lago di Carezza, Karerpass | Passo Costalunga, Welschnofen | Nova Levante
- 184 or 181 from Deutschnofen | Ponte Nova, Stenk
- 184 from Eggen | Ega, Obereggen
- 181 or 184 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro
- 182 and change 181 from Steinegg | Collepietra, Gummer | San Valentino
- 180 and change 181 from Val di Fassa
Bus stop: Deutschnofen, Kirche | Nova Ponente, Chiesa; online timetable search at www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/
Location: Chapel of Saint Agatha (https://goo.gl/maps/H9wwBqBK72AV1bp79)
By car:
Destination: Chapel of Saint Agatha
Parking: Parking lot Gibitz Square
Location: Chapel of Saint Agatha (https://goo.gl/maps/H9wwBqBK72AV1bp79)
