Pilgrimage in South Tyrol
A Ladin pilgrimage
One of the biggest pilgrim journeys in South Tyrol: 1000 men walk, singing and praying, through the Dolomites to Säben Abbey.
A thousand-strong pilgrimage
Every three years in mid-June, pilgrims from twelve Gadertal parishes trek over mountain passes into Villnöss valley in the Dolmites and then carry on the next day to Säben Abbey . This religious custom has the mountains en route sounding to ancient tunes and prayers.
The men from the Gadertal parishes meet in Pescol and march over Medalges Joch pass to St. Magdalena in Villnösstal valley, where they meet up with another group of pilgrims from Lower Gadertal valley. This group starts from Untermoi and crosses Würzjoch pass to St. Magdalena. The complete group then carries on walking to St. Peter in Villnösstal valley, where the procession is given a warm welcome from the locals and their 'Musikkapelle', the wind and brass band, and every pilgrim seeks out somewhere to stay for the night. Early next day, the company of pilgrims sets out for Säben Abbey. They then return to St. Peter, where they spend a second night.
This custom, called 'Jeúnn', is said to have its origins in a supplicatory procession to ask God to protect the grain from pests. An average of 1000 men of all ages take part in the pilgrimage and the prayers said together will cause goosebumps in all concerned.
