Segra Sacun - S. Giacomo

It is probably the most beautiful pilgrimage across the whole Alpine region: when autumn is at its most colourful, on the second Sunday in October, the villagers of Ortisei go up to the Chapel of San Giacomo. The location itself is heavenly: the chapel and the visitors look out across the Sassolungo from a spot on the steep mountain forest. From here, the mountain comes across like a cathedral of nature. Blessed as one is after a view like this, on Monday go to the traditional Segra Sacun market. Here it's all about the more earthly delights. The whole pedestrian zone is a lively market square, where walking through can be a bit difficult at times. Culinary delights, craftsmanship, carved and painted, are on offer. Another old tradition takes place in the market place: men ripe for marriage will buy a pear at the market, which they will decorate with a ribbon and give as a present to their chosen one. During Easter the following year, the woman has to give the man Easter eggs. Important: the man cannot forget to pick up the eggs if he wants to win his woman over.