They are called San Pietro, Ceves, Fraina, Novale di Laion, Tanurza and Albions - the 6 districts of the Laion municipality.
Their distinctive features? For one thing, there’s the unique geographical setting, in the middle of the majestic mountain world of the Dolomites and the marvellous tranquillity far away from major traffic routes, then there’s the easy access to the best day-trip destinations in the Isarco and Gardena valleys.
Far away from city life, the mad rush and noise, in the hamlets of Laion it seems as if the clocks tick differently, a bit more slowly. It seems as if people are happier, more exuberant here than elsewhere. And it’s no wonder - anyone who wakes up here, in this marvellous natural landscape, for them nature is lying at their feet.
So - you absolutely must add Laion and its districts to your next bucket list!
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San Pietro
With a population of nearly 400, San Pietro is the second largest hamlet of Lajen and is located just before Ortisei in the Val Gardena, at an elevation of 1,210 m above sea level. The red baroque onion dome of the parish church of San Pietro is the landmark for this little holiday spot. To-dos if spend your holiday here: visit the parish church with its baroque altar, hike along the post trail and naturally upwards onto the Rasciesa - and, yes, then enjoy the unique view onto the Sassolungo!
Ceves
Whether your holiday in Ceves is in winter or summer, nature and hiking should be top of the list. Here, the tiny hamlet with about 165 residents is skirted by the famous post trail which you simply must hike, and you also shouldn’t miss out on an outing up to Ramitzler Schwaige at 1,800 m. What is it that makes Ceves so special? The quaint farmsteads and the steeply rising village square with the little Ceves church, which give the spot its very special character.
Fraina
At just 50 inhabitants, it’s the smallest district in the Laion municipality: Fraina, with its widely dispersed individual farmsteads, the extensive meadows, shadowy forests and the little historical church of St. John the Baptist. But the setting is more than impressive at 1,180 m above sea level, high above Chiusa. The view down onto the artisan town is wonderful and the one over to the Sabiona monastery is commanding. Hustle? Stress? These are guaranteed to be alien concepts here!
Novale di Laion
Below Laion, at 760 m elevation, at the entrance to the Val Gardena, is the Novale di Laion hamlet. This is a scattered settlement, made up mostly of farmsteads which are spread out on the sunny slopes around the tiny church of St. Catherine. About 745 people live here. Novale di Laion is characterised by vineyards and chestnut groves and that’s why it’s very famous among lovers of “Törggelen”. In Novale di Laion there’s also the Vogelweiderhof - the birthplace of the minstrel, Walther von der Vogelweide.
Tanurza
Tanurza is located at 1,182 m above sea level, the nearly 65-resident strong district of Laion. The view towards the Sciliar and Sassolungo is enchanting, amazing, magnificent. Must-sees: the tiny church of St. Bartholomew whose origin goes back to 1437 - if not earlier - because it is known to be the oldest church in the Laion area. And the old walnut tree which is a natural monument due to its age. It stands between the church and the sacristans’ house.
Albions
Embedded in marvellous meadows, the Albion hamlet lies at nearly 900 m and has about 280 residents. A small holiday spot with a rustic character, ideal for everyone who’s looking for peace and quiet and delights in the extensive network of hiking trails. One of the prettiest villages in the South Tyrol, you simply must visit the St. Nicholas & St. George parish church with its late-gothic altar. And as you go along the hiking trail towards Chiusa, near the Lusenegg manor residence you will find the oldest sweet chestnut tree in Europe.