With views over the Odle group and cute churches including St John and Santa Maddalena, see why this route is a much loved and cultural destination.
Nestled in-between the mountains of the Odle group lies Santa Magdalena a tiny little village with a church on a hill. St Maddalena has been standing since the 13th century and is very well looked after which you can visit when it's open. With the Zannes mountains as a backdrop it is no wonder this stop is so famous.
There are a few things to note - there is no parking directly near the church, it is a 20 minute walk from the nearest carpark (was is very tiny) and up a tarmac slope. In the summer it can get very busy with tourists tying to find the 'perfect' photo opportunity but if you are willing to take the time and appreciate this village, then it is worth the wait.
Just around the corner, at the end of the village, is St John built much later in the 17th century designed with a barogue style with a copper-domed bell tower. You can walk up to the church via a little path cut out of the grass which is roped off or you can look over the fence to see the view.
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St Maddalena and St John Guide
Summary: Picturesque churches between the Odle group mountains Distance: 2km circuit Time: 1 hour Max elevation: 1,394 metres Difficulty: Easy to Medium Best time: Early June |
The are various ways to get to the church but the quickest and easiest is to park in the centre of the village ( cars are not allowed as there are barriers around the village) and walk up to the church you can then carry on along the road to a cute view point! or park in the larger carpark which is between the two churches and walk a bit further to each one.
How to get to Santa Magdalena village
Depending on which way you come into the dolomites will depend on your route to the village. If you were staying in Ortsei, like we were, it is a curved route along the SS242 to Waidbruck, you can then take either the A22 toll road or the SS12 which run parallel to each other. Taking the exit at Fermata di Funes or Zona Produttiva Localita Coste onto the windy roads all the way along SS141 to San Pietro where you take a sharp right turn to Santa Magdalena.
It takes around 45 minutes in the car, which I would recommend you having! As there are buses but they take twice as long as are not very regular out here. There are three carparks to pick from.
Parkplatz Bergerplatz:
This is free of charge but is very small only with around 20 spaces.
Parkplatz Naturparkhaus Puez-Geisler:
This is also free of charge and is next to the visitor centre, you just have to watch the opening times!
Parkplatz Putzen:
It is 4euros for the day with plenty of parking underground, however no campers.
St Maddelena and St John Walking Route
Once you have found a carpark the walk to each of the churches is quite simple, both along tarmacked roads. You will start your walk in the centre of the village, please keep an eye out for restricted access roads and cars as there are no footpaths here. You then need to find St Maddalena road, you may pass over a bridge with a fast flowing river underneath, as this leads you directly to the church and out the top of the village. Once you have found the road there is a little incline but nothing too dramatic, follow this until you see a little shrine right in front out you.
Carry along right along the road and then there is a driveway to 'Appartements Kaserott,' you are able to walk up and along here to get to the first view point.
There is a little roped path on the grass and to conserve the plants and wildlife there are signs to say please keep off the roped sections. You then meet a little bench on your right and it is worth taking a seat to appreciate the view. It takes around 15 minutes to get to here from the car park.
Once your eyes have adjusted to the beauty around you carry on up the path to the St Maddalena. If the church is open you are welcome to go inside and have a look around but please note this is an active place of worship, so keep pictures to a minimum.
When you have finished at the church you will then follow the path between some buildings back onto the road you took before going up the driveway. It is then a 5 minute walk to the last view point, which you can appreciate the church and it's background. Spend as long as you like here as there is another bench along the road!
Next up is St John, now if you have parked in the Parkplatz Putzen, then make your way back here, if not take a look on the map above to see the best route. Once here it is around 15 minutes walk to St John, along the main road Via Geislerand until you meet a road off right onto San Giovanni, take this up to the hotel at the end.
Before the hotel there are various platforms which are used as view points to see the church with the mountain backdrop, these are free so would suggest spending time here. If you carry on up the road there is a very small farm on your right, the path to the church is just after this. You then come across a turnstile, it is 4 euros (they only accept cash and no notes, you won't get any change) to enter the church grounds. There is a path cut out of grass with roped access, there are also no drones allowed as it is private property.
Take the short walk across the meadow to the church, you cannot go inside but there are windows so you can see it's decor.
If you are looking for a relaxed day in the dolomites add this to your list! However I would not recommend going out of your way for a photo opportunity as there is not much else here to see.
Dolomites Kit Essentials
Hiking equipment |
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Hiking boots - Scarpa Women's Ranger 2 GTX Activ Lite Walking Boots |
Hiking backpack - Osprey Women's Tempest 34 Daysack |
Hiking poles - OEXX-Lite Trigger Trekking Poles |
Keeping hydrated - Osprey Hydraulics™ LT 2.5L Reservoir |
Must-have lightweight jacket - Jackpine Recycled Insulated Jacket |
Dolomites maps and guides |
All Trails map - Col Raiser - Secëda - Forcella Pana - Rifugio Firenze |
Phsycial map - Tabacco 05 Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi |
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