San Martino
San Martino: an enchanting alpine village
San Martino, also known as Reinswald in German, is a beautiful hamlet of the Municipality of Sarentino located in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige. This alpine village is situated on the left bank of the Valdurna Valley, amidst the Sarentine Alps, and is about 6.85 km away from Sarentino. Here, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains, especially the snow-capped peaks in both winter and summer.
An ancient history
The Valdurna Valley has been inhabited since the 11th century, and the earliest human settlements in San Martino probably date back to that period. The hamlet of San Martino is mentioned for the first time as "Rineswalt" in 1177 in relation to a papal ecclesiastical privilege for the nearby Novacella Abbey, near Bressanone. From a careful look, the village still betrays its ancient peasant life today.
Places of interest
Religious architecture
The Church of San Martino is an architectural wonder. It is located on a hill overlooking the village, from which one can admire the wonderful nature of the inverse plain plateau. The small church, dedicated to Saint Martin, was built in the 18th century and completely renovated after the Second World War.
Natural areas
The Valley of the Mills, also called "Mühlental" in German, is one of the most interesting areas for hiking and outdoor activities enthusiasts. It is a suggestive canyon dug by the Talvera stream, and it can be walked through on foot. One can admire the old water mills that were once the main economic support of the area.
A tourist economy
San Martino is famous for its ski slopes, an unmissable destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, easily reachable by cable car up to 2000 meters above sea level. The local economy is linked to winter activities, but during the summer, one can go hiking in the mountains and visit numerous farms dedicated to agritourism. In fact, these have grown exponentially in recent years.
Conclusions
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, then San Martino is the right place for you. Immersed in nature, this beautiful alpine village is the ideal destination for those looking for a holiday focused on sports and relaxation. Walks along the Valley of the Mills, ski slopes, and farms that produce delicious local specialties are just some of the elements that make San Martino a destination not to be missed.
