Prato Alla Drava
Welcome to Prato alla Drava, the Italian village on the border with Austria!
If you're looking for a trip to discover the landscapes of the High Puster Valley in the province of Bolzano, we invite you to visit Prato alla Drava, a small and delightful hamlet in the municipality of San Candido (Innichen). Once an autonomous municipality until 1928, today it's the last Italian village before the border with Austria, located at an altitude of 1188 meters above sea level.
Immersed in the nature of the High Puster Valley
The village's geographic location, nestled among the mountains of the High Puster Valley, also makes it a true paradise for nature lovers. Here, you can admire the Rienza River, a tributary of the Isarco River, which runs through the valley, while the Drava River flows right through the hamlet of Prato alla Drava, meeting with a small stream that has caused numerous floods in the past.
The origin of the name and its history
The name Prato alla Drava derives from the original "Windebach" or "Winnebach" in German. The meaning of this toponym might seem strange: in fact, "Winnebach" translates to "raging torrent," although the reason for this name hasn't been explained. Recently, the village was renamed in Italian on the proposal of Ettore Tolomei during the fascist era.
The village has an interesting history related to the Italian-Austrian border, which led to the construction of numerous bunkers on the highest border peaks and the creation of an anti-tank ditch in the shape of a "Y" that cuts through the village. These works were part of the Prato Drava barrier of the Alpine Wall in South Tyrol, designed to prevent the potential invasion of German troops during World War II.
Monuments and Places of Interest
As in all mountain villages, Prato alla Drava exudes an atmosphere of peace and serenity, with characteristic views of typical mountain houses and nature trails that wind through the hills.
But there are also monuments and places of interest, such as the Church of San Nicolò, which sits on a hill and overlooks a small cemetery. The church dates back to the 12th century, with a Gothic extension in the 16th century and baroque decoration inside. The path leading to the church is dotted with a Via Crucis with small chapels containing wooden statues in typical style.
A Sustainable Project for the Future
In recent years, Prato alla Drava has begun to see the development of a district heating plant fueled by biomass from local sawmills. This is a sustainable project aimed at reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, and innovatively using local resources, contributing to the well-being of the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prato alla Drava is a place of great charm, immersed in the nature and history of the High Puster Valley, where the hospitality of the inhabitants will make you feel at home. Come and discover this pearl of the mountains, where beauty and tradition will captivate and accompany you throughout your stay!
