Castelrotto Parish Church & Bell Tower - Image 1
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St. Valentine Church San Valentino

4.7
·127 reviews·, Italy

A picturesque church in Seis, famed for St. Valentine's skull reliquary and its role in 'A Hidden Life,' set against the majestic Schlern Mountain.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Castelrotto Parish Church & Bell Tower - Image 1

St. Valentine Church San Valentino

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque church in Seis, famed for St. Valentine's skull reliquary and its role in 'A Hidden Life,' set against the majestic Schlern Mountain.

4.7
(127 reviews)

"Beautiful church and location, worth a stop if you’re in the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

A pleasant hike up to the church is part of the experience. :athletic_shoe:

Respect the Private Road

The road leading to the church is private; enjoy the walk up. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Valentine's Skull Reliquary

St. Valentine's Skull Reliquary

Left side altar

See the skull of St. Valentine, beautifully adorned and housed in a golden glass reliquary. A unique and solemn sight.

TikTok
Picturesque Church Setting

Picturesque Church Setting

Seis village

A charming church set against the backdrop of the monumental Schlern Mountain, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere.

Reddit
Filming Location for 'A Hidden Life'

Filming Location for 'A Hidden Life'

Surrounding area

Explore the landscapes that served as a backdrop for Terrence Malick's film 'A Hidden Life.' Experience the 'Silent Mountain' vibe.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respect Local Customs

While the St. Valentine Church (San Valentino) is a beautiful sight, remember it's a place of worship. Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly. Some areas might be private, so stick to designated paths. Reddit

Plan Your Visit

The church is located on a hill, and accessing it involves a short hike or walk up a private road. Consider comfortable footwear for the ascent. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞? 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧 | 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞 🥀 The skull of St. Valentine can be found within a golden glass reliquary in the side altar situated along the left of the church. Dressed beautifully with a garland of flowers and hand painted with ‘San Valentino’ across the forehead, the skull is attributed to the patron saint of lovers - St. Valentine. Yet the exact ow...
thealternativeguide_
1.7K likes • 18.4K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

A pleasant hike up to the church is part of the experience. :athletic_shoe: Reddit+1

Respect the Private Road

The road leading to the church is private; enjoy the walk up. :walking: Reddit

Capture the Scenery

The church and surrounding mountains offer incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Mindful of Local Sensitivities

Be respectful of the local community and their values. :pray: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

A pleasant hike up to the church is part of the experience. :athletic_shoe: Reddit+1

Respect the Private Road

The road leading to the church is private; enjoy the walk up. :walking: Reddit

Capture the Scenery

The church and surrounding mountains offer incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Mindful of Local Sensitivities

Be respectful of the local community and their values. :pray: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(127 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the St. Valentine Church for its stunning location, picturesque setting against the Schlern Mountain, and its unique reliquary. Many appreciate its role as a filming location for 'A Hidden Life.' Some note that the road is private and requires a walk, and a few have experienced less-than-welcoming interactions from locals, emphasizing the need for respect.

"Another scene that will stay in your memory is the picturesque church and the monumental Schlern Mountain. A walk through the village of Seis is all the more amazing because it reminds me of a good movie filmed here. The Silent Mountain is more than just a movie; it gives you a different perspective on this land."

Lucca T.

"Beautiful church just walk to the hill because it's private road."

Peter Pan

"Nice little hike up to the building"

Diego Gorgazzi

What People Like

Beautiful church and location
Stunning mountain backdrop
Unique reliquary

What People Dislike

Private road access
Occasional rudeness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in the village of Seis. Access involves a walk up a private road, which is part of the scenic experience. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Reddit+1

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, expect to park in the village and walk up to the church. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to the church's immediate vicinity is limited, but Seis is generally accessible by bus from larger towns in the region. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no mentions of admission fees or tickets required for general access to the church grounds. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not readily available, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours. Reddit

Based on traveler experiences, entry to the church and its grounds appears to be free. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The church itself, with the Schlern Mountain backdrop, is a prime photo spot. The walk up also offers scenic vistas. Reddit

Photography rules inside places of worship can vary. It's best to be discreet and respectful, or check for any posted signs. TikTok

Absolutely! The combination of the church, village, and the majestic Schlern Mountain makes it a fantastic location for landscape photography. Reddit

🎫 📍 Location & Surroundings

The church is situated in the picturesque village of Seis, in the South Tyrol region of Italy, with the Schlern Mountain as a prominent backdrop. Reddit

It's a beautiful church known for its unique reliquary containing the skull of St. Valentine and its stunning location. It also gained fame as a filming site. TikTokReddit

The surrounding area offers beautiful hiking trails and the stunning scenery of the Schlern Mountain, often referred to as the 'Silent Mountain.' Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The walk up to St. Valentine Church can be a fun little adventure for families. Pack some snacks and water, and make the hike part of the exploration. The stunning mountain views provide a great backdrop for family photos. Reddit While the church itself is a place of quiet reflection, the surrounding natural beauty offers plenty for children to enjoy. Reddit

📸 Photographers

St. Valentine Church is a dream for photographers. The iconic church against the dramatic Schlern Mountain offers endless composition possibilities. Reddit Aim for morning or late afternoon light to capture the best atmosphere. Don't forget to explore the surrounding paths for unique angles and wider landscape shots. Reddit

🎬 Film Buffs

For fans of Terrence Malick's 'A Hidden Life,' visiting St. Valentine Church is a pilgrimage. You can walk the same paths and see the landscapes that were central to the film's visual storytelling. Reddit Immerse yourself in the 'Silent Mountain' atmosphere and appreciate the natural beauty that inspired the movie. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Reliquary of St. Valentine

One of the most striking features within St. Valentine Church (San Valentino) is the reliquary housing the skull of the saint himself. This relic is presented in a golden glass case, often adorned with a garland of flowers. The skull is hand-painted with 'San Valentino' across the forehead, making it a unique and solemn focal point for visitors. TikTok This sacred artifact draws many who are interested in religious history and relics.

The presence of such a significant relic underscores the historical and spiritual importance of the church. While the visual presentation is striking, it also serves as a reminder of the veneration of St. Valentine. Visitors often find this aspect of the church particularly memorable and thought-provoking, offering a deeper connection to the saint's legacy. TikTok

A Cinematic Landscape: 'A Hidden Life'

The St. Valentine Church and its surrounding environs gained international recognition as a key filming location for Terrence Malick's critically acclaimed film, 'A Hidden Life.' The breathtaking vistas of the Schlern Mountain and the serene village of Seis provided the perfect backdrop for the movie's contemplative narrative. Reddit Visitors often feel a sense of awe walking through these landscapes, recognizing them from the silver screen and appreciating the natural beauty that inspired the film.

Experiencing the 'Silent Mountain' as depicted in the film offers a unique perspective on the region. The dramatic peaks and tranquil valleys create an atmosphere that is both powerful and peaceful. For fans of the movie or those who appreciate cinematic landscapes, visiting this area is a chance to step into the world of 'A Hidden Life' and connect with the profound beauty of South Tyrol. Reddit

Navigating the Ascent and Local Etiquette

Reaching St. Valentine Church involves a pleasant walk up a hill, often along a private road. Travelers recommend wearing comfortable shoes for this short but rewarding ascent. Reddit+1 This walk is not just a means to an end but an integral part of the experience, allowing visitors to soak in the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the village.

It's important to remember that St. Valentine Church is an active place of worship and a cherished local site. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the local community's values and traditions. Reddit While the church is a tourist attraction, maintaining a considerate demeanor, especially regarding noise and attire, ensures a positive experience for everyone and helps preserve the sanctity of the location. Reddit

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