The Chapel of San Giovanni in Ranui is a scene that many people have already seen without knowing it. It stands alone in a meadow just outside Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes, with the serrated profile of the Odle Group closing the background. Built in Baroque style in 1744 and dedicated to Saint John Nepomucene, it has a double-pitched roof covered with wooden shingles and a bell tower topped by a characteristic onion dome clad in copper, crowned by a star evoking the martyr's fate. The altarpiece is a work by painter Franz Unterberger.
The chapel belongs to the historic Ranui farmstead, whose origins go back centuries, and it therefore stands on private land: as a rule visitors admire it from outside, reached via a short walk from a dedicated viewpoint that perfectly frames the scene. For the best photograph, aim for the early hours of the morning or late afternoon, when the light softens the meadows and illuminates the Odle. From here, trails also lead into the Puez-Odle Nature Park, of which this corner of the valley is one of the gateway points.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Chapel of San Giovanni in Ranui?
The chapel is part of the private Ranui farmstead and is usually admired from outside, from a dedicated viewing area reached by a short walk. It is primarily a photography destination.
When is the best time to photograph it?
Early morning and late afternoon, when the light is softer and the Odle are bathed in warm colour behind the chapel. These are also the quietest times during the peak season.