You'll find it in the meadows of Ranui, a handful of houses above Santa Maddalena, at the head of [Val di Funes](/localita/val-di-funes). It's a small white chapel with an onion-domed bell tower clad in copper and a star on top. They built it in 1744 and dedicated it to St. John of Nepomuk. On its own it would be a pretty mountain church. What makes it famous is what stands behind it: the walls of the Odle rising straight out of the forest. When the morning or late-afternoon light hits the rock, you understand why it ends up in so many photos.
The church doesn't belong to the town. It's part of the Ranui farm (Ranuihof), so it's private property. You can't go inside, except for special events or openings. To get close and photograph it, the owners set up a fenced photo point in the meadow, with a turnstile. You pay a small fee and walk the little path to the right spot. Nothing tiring: it's a few hundred metres across flat meadow.
It's worth combining with the rest of the valley. From here you're a few minutes from Santa Maddalena and its church, the other signature image of the area. If you have time, the trails of the Puez-Odle Nature Park start right around here. The church at Ranui is the short, easy stop, doable in almost any season.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Church of San Giovanni in Ranui?
You're at the head of Val di Funes, above Santa Maddalena. By car, follow signs for the Ranuihof to the car park at the top of the road. From there it's less than 500 metres to the church on an easy, flat path, 5-10 minutes. By bus, the line from Bressanone (Brixen) runs up to Santa Maddalena/Ranui.
How much does the photo point cost and how does it work?
There's a fenced photo point run by the Ranui farm, with a turnstile. It costs about 4 euros per person, cash only, paid at a machine on site. The fee lets you into the meadow and along the short path to the right spot to photograph the church with the Odle behind it. Ranuihof guests enter for free. Prices can change, so check on site.
Where do you park and how much is it?
Parking is at the Ranuihof, at the top of the road. It's paid, around 4 euros a day during daytime hours (roughly 7am-7pm); outside those hours the rate is much higher, so don't leave the car overnight. You can pay cash or card. From there it's a few minutes' walk to the church.
Can you go inside the church?
No, the interior is normally closed to visitors. The church is private, part of the Ranui farm. The photo point gets you close and lets you photograph it well from outside, but it doesn't include entry. You see it from outside, and that's the view people come all the way here for anyway.