The Hermitage of San Leonhard

The isolated hermitage of San Leonardo is situated at a privileged viewing point of the surrounding Dolomites and can be found by following the signposted path into the forest for approx 20mins.

Built on the spot where the Virgin appeared to Leonhard Weissenstein, there is no exact indication of the date of construction. It was certainly destroyed in 1787 when the Sanctuary was suppressed by order of Emperor Joseph II, however the chapel was rebuilt in 1870 with porphyritic stones in neo-Romanesque style.

Inside there is a solitary altarpiece made by a local artist Hans Brunner in 1946.  Downstairs is the cell of the hermit, excavated from a converted cave and now enriched with crucifixes, crowns, crosses and sacred writings.

From this year it is possible to book a guided tour of the Sanctuary,
a journey between history and art, every Monday and Friday from 16.00 to 17.00.

Lord Jesus you were consoled on Calvary
by the presence of the Mother
and after her death you rested on her lap again.
Look to our needs and accept the supplications,
that we present to you through the Madonna of Pietralba.
Amen