During our travels, we stumbled upon the Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Ranui, and it was a truly breathtaking experience. Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, this tiny Baroque church is famous for its peaceful setting against majestic mountains. Even if you haven’t heard of it by name, you’ve probably seen photos of the small, white church with its striking onion dome standing alone in a vast green meadow framed by towering peaks. It’s one of those places that looks straight out of a postcard.
The church was commissioned in 1744 by Michael von Jenner, a local mine owner. Dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, the church honors the Bohemian saint known for protecting against drowning and defamation. Interestingly, he was also considered a patron saint for confessors. You’ll find a copper onion dome topped with a star, a nod to the legend of a star guiding people to his body after he was martyred by being thrown into the Vltava River.
When we visited, the church was closed - you can’t actually go inside. However, for a small fee, you can get closer to admire the structure and peek through the windows to see the interior. The altar, painted by Franz Unterberger, features Mary and baby Jesus, with John of Nepomuk offering a symbol of his discretion. Baroque paintings inside by Nikolaus Weis depict key moments from John’s life, though we could only view them from the outside.
What makes this church special isn’t just the architecture but its stunning location. Standing there, you feel the vastness of the landscape, with the small, delicate church standing proud in the middle of it all. Even if you decide not to pay for closer access, the view from a distance is equally remarkable. The combination of Baroque design and the Alpine setting makes this one of the most photographed spots in northern Italy.
If you're passing through the area, it's definitely worth stopping by for an hour or so. Even without being able to step inside, the beauty of this place leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're an architecture buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful spot, the Church of St. John of Nepomuk is a hidden gem that won’t disappoint.
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