St. Katharina in der Scharte, Catholic church in Hafling, Italy
St. Katharina in der Scharte is a church in Hafling, South Tyrol, defined by its Gothic choir with ribbed vault and Romanesque nave. A four-story tower rises alongside the structure, while the nave aligns with the choir vault in height.
The original building burned down in 1202, leading to the construction of a new structure on the site. The Romanesque church was consecrated in 1251 by Bishop Egno of Eppan and has served the parish ever since.
Religious artworks line the interior, depicting scenes from Saint Catherine's life alongside sculptures of various saints. These pieces reflect the devotion of the community that has gathered here for prayer and celebration over centuries.
The building underwent major restoration work in the 1980s to improve and preserve its condition. Visitors should expect a well-maintained interior that displays multiple architectural styles across its different sections.
Local legend tells of two giants who supposedly built this church and the neighboring Saint Jakob church at the same time. The tale of their dispute keeps this location alive in folk tradition and local storytelling.
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