You should not miss out on the following cultural sights in the Passiria Valley:
Shield Farms At the entry to the Passiria Valley you will notice some castle-like buildings. They are located on safe hills and are mostly covered by ivy. Some shield farms dispose of sundials and old frescoes. The special treatment of shield farm farmers dates back to the 13th century, where they are meant to have served Count Albert of Tyrol (1190 – 1253) as vassals. The 11 vassals were exempted from paying tax all their lives. In return, the vassals had to oblige themselves to serve the Tyrolean sovereigns within the borders of Tyrol. During war, for the last time, the vassals supported Friedrich IV, who had no money left, in conquering Trento in 1407. In times of peace the vassals filled the pantries of the Count of Tyrol with game and other food, and provided watch over Tyrol castle or the Zenoburg Castle during celebrations. In return for their services, the vassals had many privileges: hunting and fishing rights for their own needs. Even in court and in church they were allowed to wear their arms. They were freed from community services and could not be obliged to act as witnesses. Nowadays, only the fishing right in the Passiria River, and the right of having parades with shield and halberds during celebrations still remain.
Malerhaus (Painter's House)
There is a reason why so many old houses in San Martino bear well preserved frescoes: San Martino once hosted a painter's school. Only a few metres above the village you find the so-called "Malerhaus", the painter's house. The front is decorated with three frescoes. Apart from them not many things provide a reminder of the painter's school that was located in this building for more than hundred years.
French Cemetery
The 17th of November 1809 is remembered as a black day in the history of San Leonardo in Val Passiria. After their last battle at the Berg Isel mountain in Austria 1,200 French soldiers came over the Giovo Pass to San Leonardo. The inhabitants of San Leonardo fought for their freedom and the fights continued until the 22nd of November. The fight ended with the capitulation of the French under Major Dorell. The sad results: In addition to 22 locals, also 230 French soldiers lost their lives and were buried on a site at the western edge of the village near the Passirio River.
Sandwirt
The Sandwirt in San Leonardo is the birthplace of the renowned Tyrolean freedom fighter "Andreas Hofer". Today, the Sandwirt is a popular inn, where the old wooden "Stube" room of the old building is definitely worth a visit.
