3: The three churches at Tre Chiese, South Tyrol
Tre Chiese, also known by its German name Dreikirchen, is a group of three small churches between the villages of Barbiano and Villandro, in the province of Bolzano at the extreme north of Italy.
Probably constructed on a pagan religious site, the three churches are surprisingly close together, almost forming a single religious complex. The oldest is the church of Santa Geltrude, first documented in the 13thcentury. The churches of San Nicola and Santa Magdalena date to the fifteenth century. Late-gothic statues, altarpieces and fresco fragments survive in the churches, which can only be reached by walking half an hour through the region’s verdant alpine landscape.
The number 3 and its multiples are considered important by many traditions, which contributes to making IAS’s impending thirtieth anniversary a particularly momentous occurrence in the society’s history. In light of this, IAS is asking members to consider donations in permutations of 3 and/or 30. Whether that means a donation of $3 or $300, be certain that any donation goes far in supporting IAS’s mission, programs, fellowships, charitable activities, and publications.
In addition, it is a great time tojoin or renew your IAS membership (all current memberships expire on 31 December of this year). Please encourage non-members (colleagues, friends, aficionados) working on or appreciative of Italian art, architecture, and visual culture across all media, periods, and career paths to join the IAS.
Tre Chiese in a 1996 postcard. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Tre Chiese today. Photo: Oliver Abels on Wikimedia Commons.
Interior view of the church of Santa Magdalena. Photo: Wolfgang Moroder on Wikimedia Commons.
Interior view of the church of Santa Geltrude. Photo: Llorenzi on Wikimedia Commons.
Interior view of the church of San Nicola. Photo: Llorenzi on Wikimedia Commons.