This is one of the major wine growing regions of Bolzano, embellished by the slopes lined with grape vines. The "schiava" grape variety is cultivated here and vinified in the Santa Maddalena hills, hence the name of its famous ruby red table wine. Rows of wine farms line the hill.
The small church of Santa Maddalena, situated in a stunning panoramic position on the hill's summit, and hosting a precious fresco cycle dating to 1300, which is still well preserved on all its interior walls, is always woth seeing. Ask at the Tourism board for opening hours.
The panoramic view from the Santa Maddalena hills ist astonishing. In the sunset the Catinaccio Dolomite massif takes a pink shade, due to the presence of dolomite mineral. Its German name "Rosengarten" meaning "Rose garden" refers to the legend of King Laurin and the glowing in the sunset remembers his Rose garden.
Each year on the 22nd of July a splendid festival takes place in Santa Maddalena, celebrating the saint Mary Magdalene.