Innichen, Mountain commune in South Tyrol, Italy
Innichen sits in the eastern Puster Valley at an elevation of 1,175 meters (3,855 feet), surrounded by the Sexten Dolomites to the south and gentler slopes to the north. The commune spreads along the upper Drava Valley, where the river begins and runs through a wide basin.
Duke Tassilo III of Bavaria founded a Benedictine abbey here in 769, shaping the valley and spreading Christianity throughout the region. The monastery remained under Freising bishops until 1803, when it lost its religious role during secularization.
The name comes from the Celtic word 'Alcimum,' which locals still use in its original Latin form. Residents move between German and Italian daily, reflecting the town's position along a former linguistic and political border.
The commune lies on the railway line between Italy and Austria, offering direct connections in both directions. Hiking trails start right in town and lead to different elevations, from flat valley routes to steep mountain paths.
The collegiate church houses Romanesque frescoes from the 13th century, showing biblical scenes in bright colors. The freestanding bell tower next to the church originally served as a defensive tower.
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