• Gruener 2014 12 619
    Alpine Culture & Art
  • Gruener 2017 07 0695
  • Gruener 2014 12 603
  • Gruener 2014 12 626

Exploring the Heritage, Culture & Art of the Alps

The Timeless Beauty of Senales Valley, Val Venosta & Beyond

Nestled in the heart of the South Tyrolean Alps, these regions are rich in history, artistic heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. From medieval monasteries and tranquil villages to ancient frescoes and contemporary art installations, this region offers an immersive journey through time.

Beyond Certosa, the Val Senales valley is home to numerous and historical attractions. The archeoParc Val Senales, an archaeological open-air museum, provides insights into the life of Ötzi the Iceman and the prehistoric communities of the Alps. 

The Silent Village, Sacred Spaces & Historic Towns

 

Certosa (Karthaus) – The Village of Silence

  • 700-Year Anniversary - Carthusian Monastery "Allerengelsberg" (1325) – Certosa/Karthaus
  • Once home to a monastic order, today it preserves the Silentium project.
  • Visitors can explore the preserved cloister, defensive walls, and Church of St. Anne.
  • Today, the monastery hosts summer art exhibitions, blending past and present.
  • The "Via Monachorum" (Monk’s Path) is a trail featuring philosophical inscriptions and life-sized monk figures, inviting reflection.

Madonna di Senales (Unser Frau)

  • An important pilgrimage site since 1304.
  • Home to the archeoParc Val Senales, where visitors can learn about prehistoric life in the Alps.

Monte Santa Caterina (Katharinaberg)

  • A mountain village with historic farms and a church built on the ruins of a 14th-century castle.

 Glorenza (Glurns) – A Medieval Gem

  • One of the smallest yet best-preserved towns in the Alps.
  • Completely enclosed by original medieval walls and historic towers.
  • Paul Flora Exhibition: Celebrating the famous illustrator’s work in one of the town’s towers.

Kloster Marienberg – A Spiritual Jewel in the Alps

  • South Tyrol’s highest Benedictine monastery.
  • Kloster Marienberg, fascinates with its historic frescoes, serene atmosphere, and rich monastic heritage.

Convent of St. John – Müstair (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Founded during the reign of Charlemagne, this Benedictine monastery houses Europe’s best-preserved medieval frescoes.
  • A living example of Carolingian-era religious devotion.

The Art of the Alps – From Frescoes to Contemporary Creations

 

Messner Mountain Museum – Explore All Six Museums!

  • Explore six unique museums by Reinhold Messner.
  • From Juval Castle to the Ortles Glacier, each of the six museums tells a different story of the world’s peaks, climbers, and alpine life—perfect for those who love exploration and history!

St. Proculus Church & Museum, Naturno

  • Houses some of the oldest frescoes in Central Europe, dating back to the 8th century.
  • The most famous fresco depicts a man on a swing, believed to be Saint Proculus.

Art Exhibitions at Certosa Cloister

  • A blend of contemporary art in a historic monastic setting. Biennale.

Paul Flora Exhibition – Glorenza

  • Dedicated to the whimsical and satirical works of local artist Paul Flora.

Kunst Merano Arte

  • A dynamic art space in Merano showcasing visual arts, architecture, and music, often exploring themes of landscape and transformation.

Museion Bolzano – Modern & Contemporary Art

  • A bold, glass-fronted museum bridging regional and global contemporary art. Features avant-garde exhibitions on identity, technology, and Alpine culture.

"Our Glacial Perspectives" – Olafur Eliasson

  • A cutting-edge art installation on the Senales Glacier, merging art, science and climate awareness, offering an immersive glacial experience.

Ötzi Iceman Peak

  • A tribute to Ötzi the Iceman, discovered nearby, this panoramic viewpoint at 3,251m offers breathtaking views of the Alpine glaciers and prehistoric landscapes. 

Experience the Ancient Transhumance at Goldene Rose

Witness a UNESCO Heritage Tradition in Senales Valley

Stay at Goldene Rose Karthaus and witness one of Europe’s last great transhumance migrations—a 600-year-old tradition where over 3,000 sheep traverse glaciers and high mountain passes between Senales Valley (Italy) and Ötztal (Austria).

Transhumance Highlights (June & September)

  • Watch shepherds guide their flocks across the Alps, crossing the Niederjoch Pass (3,017m) & Hochjoch Pass (2,885m).
  • Celebrate with local festivals, traditional food, and music as the flocks return in September.
  • Explore historic trails, breathtaking Alpine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage up close.

Your Stay at Goldene Rose Karthaus

  • Stay in a serene retreat, once a Carthusian monastery, in the heart of Senales Valley.
  • Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, inspired by Alpine traditions.
  • Unwind in our spa & wellness sanctuary, "Karthauser Bad," after a day of discovery.
  • Join guided hikes for an unforgettable front-row experience of this living tradition.

Our team is dedicated to making your stay an unforgettable journey into Alpine heritage.

Book your stay and be part of Alpine history!