Barbiano: Waterfalls, Trails and Churches

Barbiano brings together several themes that are easy to distinguish when planning a trip: waterfalls and trails, churches and their history, and the Barbian plum as part of the local growing tradition. If you are looking for a hotel in Barbiano, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your stay. The two routes described lead to different destinations and provide a practical basis for including activities in your plans.

Waterfalls and Trails

The Barbiano Waterfalls are fed by the Gander stream, which collects tributaries from the moors of the Barbian Alpine pasture at 2,000 m. The Waterfall Trail starts in the town centre and heads southeast through meadows and woodland to the lower cascade at 1,000 m, about 30 minutes from the starting point. Stone steps, footbridges and short secured sections continue up to the upper cascade at 1,170 m. The approximate time given applies to the route to the lower cascade, not the continuation to the upper one. The upper cascade is 170 m higher than the lower one.

The Barbian Plum Trail starts at the village square and heads towards the lower village, passing Feltuner and continuing to the weather cross. It then climbs past Stich and Frühaufhof, via Haus Urban and through the upper village, before returning to the village centre. Unlike the Waterfall Trail, whose destinations are the lower and upper cascades, this route can be followed using its named waypoints and neighbourhoods.

Since the late Middle Ages, the Barbian plum has been an important part of the local growing tradition. The Plum Trail thus links a named route with a long-standing local cultivation tradition, adding another theme to the waterfalls and churches.

Churches and History

The parish church of Barbiano is dedicated to St James the Elder; its high altar contains a copy of the Crucifixion of Wechselburg. Barbiano’s church was built in the 13th century, and only its leaning bell tower has survived from that building. The bell tower therefore points to the church’s early history, while the high altar brings a particular artistic subject into focus.

Another sacred site is the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre near the Wohlaufhof farm. It has a simple Baroque altar. Alongside the parish church’s high altar painting, it offers a distinct example of simple Baroque design.

Visiting the Churches in Bad Dreikirchen

To visit the interiors of the churches in Bad Dreikirchen, you can ask for the key at the Messnerhof inn, located right next door. Guided tours are available only by prior arrangement at +39 0471 650 059. Before your trip, it is advisable to confirm locally the information about the key and guided tours.

Discover more destinations: Lazfons, Eisack Valley, Petersberg, San Felice, Casateia, Anterselva Di Sotto, Santo Stefano, Prags

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