As part of the European Heritage Days 2026, Sunday 27 September 2026 is dedicated to discovering one of the most fascinating locations in the municipality of Laives: the parish church of La Costa, dedicated to the Blessed Henry of Bolzano.
Nestled among centuries-old chestnut groves and traditional farmsteads, in a panoramic setting overlooking the Unterland and the Überetsch valleys, the church preserves centuries of history and valuable traces of the past.
The day is enriched by guided tours, music, local traditions, convivial moments and regional culinary specialties—an engaging experience that brings together culture, history, and breathtaking scenery.
Programme:
10:00: Solemn Mass
11:00-16.30: Festival at the church (Food & Drink by Polisportiva Pineta)
11:30: Opening of the educational exhibition on the church of La Costa and its furnishings, alongside a screening of the documentary on the Blessed Henry of Bolzano (both running throughout the event)
11:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00: Expert-led guided tours of the church
12:00: Official ceremony featuring speeches by municipal representatives, accompanied by the "Böhmische" brass ensemble of the Laives Music Band
13:30: Performance by the Laives Folk Dance Group (Volkstanzgruppe Leifers)
14:30: Concert by the Coro Artemisia
15:30: Performance by the Unterlandler Schuhplattler
Getting There:
Please note: No parking is available at the church of La Costa.
A free shuttle service operates every 15 minutes from 9.30-13.15 & 14.30-17.00 with departure in Pineta from the car park opposite Expert. Parking options nearby: in Pineta or at the sports area Galizia (a 10-minute walk across the bicycle bridge to Pineta).
CAI and AVS are organising
guided hikes to La Costa, with arrival at 11.30. Registration required at t +39 0471 950420, info@laives-leifers.it:
- Start at 9 from Piazza Don Domenico Penner in Pineta: 4,5 km, 2,5 h, 650 m uphill
- Start at 9.30 from the chapel of San Giacomo: 4 km, 2 h, 600 m uphill
- Start at 10 from Flavon castle in Bolzano: 3 km, 1,5 h, 475 m uphill
In case of bad weather, the event will be cancelled.
The Parish Church of the Blessed Henry of Bolzano:
The Church of the Blessed Henry of Bolzano is a special site set high above Laives. Built in 1854 through donations from numerous benefactors, it continues to preserve a piece of living history and faith. Its interior features a commemorative inscription honoring its donors as well as three impressive altars. The main altar is adorned with an image of the Blessed Henry, patron saint of Bolzano. The bell tower houses three bells. Situated at an elevation of approximately 820 metres, the newest sacred building in the municipality rewards visitors with a sweeping panoramic view over the Unterland region.