Churches and Menhir in the Village Center
The Church of St. Nicholas in Latsch is a small Romanesque choir-tower church dating from the late 12th century. On its southern facade are remnants of frescoes depicting the Crucifixion as well as Saint Nicholas and Saint Christopher.
The Latsch menhir is located in the Church of St. Nicholas in the village center of Latsch. The Latsch menhir was discovered in 1992 during restoration work in the Church of Our Lady on the BĂĽhel. It dates from between 3300 and 2200 BC. Thus, alongside the medieval architectural features, the Church of St. Nicholas also contains an archaeological find dating from prehistoric times.
Further Churches and Village Tour
The Bichl Church is the oldest church in Latsch. The Hospital Church contains a winged altarpiece created in 1524 by the Swabian master Jörg Lederer. Its fresco cycles from the first decade of the 17th century were created by Adrian Mair. The Hospital Church therefore features both a dated winged altarpiece and later fresco cycles.
A cultural village tour in Latsch includes visits to the Church of St. Nicholas, the Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit and the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul. The Church of St. Nicholas with its menhir is included, as is the Hospital Church with its winged altarpiece and fresco cycles.
Latsch Castle and Its Visiting Restrictions
Latsch Castle dates from the 13th century and was the ancestral seat of the Lords of Annenberg. It is the only moated castle in Val Venosta. The castle is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. Visiting is therefore limited to the exterior.
Hiking along the Latschander Waal
The Latschander Waal runs along Trail No. 3 from Latsch to Kastelbell. To hike along the Latschander Waal, you can take the train from the direction of Mals or Merano to Latsch and start there on the Waalweg trail. The stated starting point is therefore in Latsch, while Kastelbell marks the further course of the route.
Cycling Tour towards the Martell Valley
The cycling tour “In the Footsteps of the Giro d’Italia” starts in Latsch. From there, it leads via Goldrain and Morter towards the Martell Valley. It then continues via Burgaun and Gand to the Martell Valley Reservoir at an elevation of 1,843 meters. Along the way, the cycling tour passes the Maria in der Schmelz Chapel and the biathlon center.
Two Routes Starting in Latsch
Both routes described begin in Latsch but lead to different destinations. The Latschander Waal runs to Kastelbell, while the cycling tour towards the Martell Valley continues to the Martell Valley Reservoir at an elevation of 1,843 meters. For the hike, Latsch can be reached by train from the direction of Mals or Merano; the trail starts there on the Waalweg.
