A story that begins in the 18th century
The church of St. John of Nepomuk was built in 1744 as part of the Ranuihof estate and is dedicated to this Bohemian saint! Although it is tiny in size, its baroque facade with its typical onion-shaped spire is unmissable. Inside, there is a beautiful altar and several precious baroque elements that testify to the deep faith and reverence with which the church was built.
A symbol of peace and harmony
What makes the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Ranui a special place, however, is not only its architecture, but above all its surroundings. The church stands alone in a meadow, with the towering peaks of the Geisler massif (Gruppo delle Odle) - one of the most impressive mountain formations in the Dolomites- rising behind it.
Every glance towards the church looks like a painting. No wonder it has become a favourite subject of photographers and painters. It changes its appearance at different times of the year - in spring it disappears into the flowers, in summerin summer it shimmers under a blue sky, in autumn it is wrapped in golden tones and in winter it looks like a silent fairy tale under a blanket of snow.
Practical information
The church is only accessible on foot, which only emphasises its untouched nature. You must park your car in the nearby village of Santa Maddalena, from where a short and easy trail leads. The interior of the church is only open on special occasions, but the view from the outside is an experience to remember.
Tip for the end
Visit San Giovanni in Ranui early in the morning or at sunset. The golden light on the façade of the church and the dramatic shadows of the mountains create an atmosphere that is hard to describe in words. And if you want to experience the view from a different perspective, climb to the lookout above Santa Maddalena - from here you'll have the whole valley in the palm of your hand.
