Discover Kiens: Churches, Castles and Historic Trails

St. Sigmund: Parish Church, High Altar and Stöckl

The present-day parish church of St. Sigmund was built between 1449 and 1489. Its high altar dates from 1440 and is considered one of the oldest and most significant winged altarpieces in South Tyrol. The altar is therefore older than the present church building. Also in St. Sigmund is the Baroque Stöckl chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows; it was built in 1621 and extended in 1644. St. Sigmund thus brings together a 15th-century winged altarpiece and a 17th-century Baroque building.

Ehrenburg Castle and the Exterior View

Ehrenburg Castle also reflects several phases of construction history. The first complex was built in the 12th century; around 1732, the castle was transformed into a Baroque castle. Ehrenburg Castle can only be viewed from the outside. Anyone planning to visit Ehrenburg Castle should therefore consider an exterior view as the form of visit.

Baroque Churches in Ehrenburg

The present-day Provost Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Ehrenburg is a Baroque building constructed between 1698 and 1701. The crypt chapel of the provost church contains the “Grain Mother of God” and other noteworthy works of art. The construction period of the provost church therefore falls in a later era than the first complex of Ehrenburg Castle.

Further Historic Points of Interest

The Ehrenburg Milestone is around two metres high, made of quartz phyllite and considered one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in South Tyrol. As an individual historic testimony, it provides a different point of focus from the churches and castle complexes.

Roman Road and Cultural and Landscape Trail

The Roman Road from Kiens to Ehrenburg begins in the centre of Kiens and includes information and rest stations about travel during Roman times. The stations provide thematic stopping points along the trail. The Cultural and Landscape Trail begins in Kiens and initially follows the Grünbach stream towards Schöneck Castle. The options therefore differ in theme and starting point: the Roman Road leads via information and rest stations focusing on Roman times, while the Cultural and Landscape Trail begins at the Grünbach stream and heads towards Schöneck Castle.

Excursions to Kronplatz

Kiens is a starting point for excursions to Kronplatz, which is easily accessible by public transport. Kronplatz thus provides another excursion destination alongside the historic sites in Kiens and Ehrenburg.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations besides Kiens, also discover San Martin de Tor, Innichen, Olang, Sexten, Prettau, La Valle, Rasen-Antholz and Welsberg-Taisten.

For the higher-level travel overview: Puster Valley.