History
Visitors to South Tyrol and the Villnoesser Valley / Val di Funes in particular can enjoy not only the unparalleled natural beauty presented by the Geisler Mountains – no, they can also immerse themselves in a rich world of culture, history, and art. To name only a few of the many fascinating churches: The parish church dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul in the middle of the valley, the foundation of which can be traced back to the year 1058; the Church of St. Valentin / San Valentino in Pardell, which is likewise of great antiquity (11th Century), with its wonderful winged altar featuring a triptych depicting scenes from the life of St. Valentine (and clearly showing the influence of Michael Pacher!). Or the impressively situated mountain church of St. Jakob / San Giacomo, which likewise boasts a richly ornamented high altar in its interior. Again, the little church has a marvelous location, and is of great cultural and historical significance, both on the outside and the inside. The stunning church is encompassed by a wall with a rounded archway. It was first mentioned in historical documents in the year 1349, but its current appearance dates back to about 1500. The high altar and the side altar, the mural depicting St. Christopher and St. Jacob as pilgrims, the colorful frescoes are just as worth viewing as the statuettes and the sculpture of Mary with the Christ Child with the radiant halo. The key to the entrance of the church can be obtained at the farmhouse next door.
But because of its incomparably beautiful location, the little meadow church of St. John's in Ranui is perhaps the most famous. It is situated directly behind St. Magdalena / Santa Maddalena. During the Middle Ages, there was a manor of the same name located here which was used by the Lords of Jenner as a hunting lodge, and which was next-door to the church. It was Michael von Jenner who commissioned the construction of the Baroque church in the year 1744.
