Falzes (Pfalzen in German) is a town in the province of Bolzano, located Val Pusteria, at the mouth of the Val di Tures, in the tourist area of Plan de Corones. Set on a sunny plateau, the main centre enjoys a panoramic view over the valley below with in the background the outline of the Dolomite massif.
The area was inhabited since prehistoric times, as attested by the discovery of axes and spear points dating back to 4000 years ago. Colonized by the Romans and, later, raided by the Barbarians, the town's name appears for the first time in a document, written in the year 1050, and derives from "Phalanza" (from the Latin "palatium", indicating the presence of defense towers).
It is a preferred tourist destination in both Summer and Winter Seasons, with its mountain trails and its quick connections to the slopes of the ski area of Plan de Corones.
Not to miss:
- the Castle of Sichelburg Castle, now a farmstead, that belongs to the family of the Lords of Falzes since 1356;
- the XII century Castle of Schöneck with its chapel, famous for the presence of a masterpiece of the artist Pacher;
- the Church of St. Cyriac, with its fine Baroque altar;
- the XV century Church of Saint Valentine, flanked by a slender Gothic Bell Tower;
- the Bergila Herbs distillery, where a series of famous essential oils are produced;
- the upside down pine spruce (picea excelsa), a natural monument, unique in Europe.