St. Stephen, church building in Villanders, South Tyrol, Italy
St. Stephen is a small church in Villanders, South Tyrol, with solid stone walls and simple functional design reflecting local building traditions. Inside are crafted works including the high altar from 1884, side altars from 1903, and a pulpit from 1867, complemented by an oil painting by Franz Sebald Unterberger and stained glass art from around 1520.
The church has roots in the 19th century, with major elements from the 1800s and restorations continuing into the 20th century. It served generations of residents as a religious and community center, documenting the continuous presence of faith in village life.
The church is dedicated to Saint Stephen, an early Christian figure whose feast day the community still celebrates today. It serves locals as a gathering place for religious holidays and personal moments of reflection, keeping old traditions alive.
The church is located in the village center of Villanders and is easily reached on foot, especially walking through the narrow village lanes. As a place of quiet reflection, it is best visited during quieter hours to appreciate the craftsmanship and peaceful atmosphere.
A stained glass artwork from around 1520 depicts the miners of Villandro, recalling the region's important mining history. This rare portrayal of workers in a church reflects the close connection between faith and craftwork in village life.
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