The porphyry hill of St. Hippolyt is situatet in the north of the low mountain range of Tesimo. The 758m high hill stands lonely, away from the noise of the world, and offers a unique panoramic view far over the Adige Valley. No fewer than 20 villages and 40 castles can be seen from up here. Its exposed location also made it one of the oldest prehistoric settlements in South Tyrol.
The Romanesque church of St. Hippolytus is enthroned on the hill.
A forest road leads to the church and the hill, but it is not cleared in winter. Attention: the path can be icy in places, good footwear required!
From the parish church in Tesimo head north along the main road towards Narano for around 200 m. Take the second road on the right (straight after the car park and opposite the flower shop) which briefly heads rather more steeply downhill, then at the first crossing turn left and after 200 m near Haus Burgal, left again onto a field track (marked 1A and with signs to “St. Hippolyt”). Briefly follow a narrow track to an asphalt road and here turn right, all the time following the markings for trail no. 5, first along the road, then left on a field track uphill to a tarn and then continue right up to Gampenstrasse. On the other side of this road take the broad gravel track, which was created as a contemplation path for the Holy Rosary and in memory of Pope John Paul II with seven bronze stations, then continue further uphill to the St. Hippolyt Church, which is situated on a hilltop settled in prehistoric times. There is a unique panorama to be seen from here. On the rear hillside, briefly head downhill on a steep stepped path (marked no. 5), then turn left remaining in the valley onto trail no. 7 past the idyllic Narauner Weiher pond to the trail by which you ascended and then back to the starting point.
In case of snow or ice, the same descent from the church as ascent is strongly recommended!