San Giovanni
San Giovanni: the largest hamlet in Valle Aurina
San Giovanni is a hamlet in the Municipality of Valle Aurina, located in the autonomous province of Bolzano. The village, called "St. Johann" in German and "Ahrn" in South Tyrolean dialect, is the largest hamlet in the area and has been the center of the religious life of the entire valley since 1000, as evidenced by its parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
History of San Giovanni
For a long time, San Giovanni was a scattered locality of farms arranged on both sides of the valley. Only after World War II did a real change occur, with urban growth leading to the birth of a town center near the parish church. Before 1929, San Giovanni, together with Lutago, Predoi, San Pietro, and San Giacomo, constituted an autonomous municipality. In that year, all these localities were grouped into the municipality of Valle Aurina.
Monuments and Places of Interest
San Giovanni is rich in monuments and places of interest, starting from its main church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The current building dates back to the eighteenth century, but the original church dates back to the year 1000. Another important landmark in the area is the Mineralogical Museum.
Culture in San Giovanni
In addition to monuments and places of interest, San Giovanni boasts a strong cultural presence. Especially in the summer months, the village hosts numerous culture-related events, such as concerts and art exhibitions.
Economy of San Giovanni
The traditional economy of the area is agriculture, but over the years tourism has developed more and more. Craftsmanship also played an important role in the history of San Giovanni, especially thanks to the structures that exploited the mines and their foundry services.
In conclusion, San Giovanni is an extraordinary place with a long history and a strong cultural identity. Thanks to its monuments, its events, and its varied economy, it will always remain one of the most fascinating places in the province of Bolzano.
