Val Gardena, Alpine valley in South Tyrol, Italy
Val Gardena is a valley in the Dolomites featuring limestone peaks and three main villages connected by roads and lift systems. The landscape centers on high mountains with dense forests and open slopes used for both skiing and hiking depending on the season.
The valley came under church authority around 1000 CE when a local count transferred it to a bishop in Bavaria. This early religious connection shaped its governance and development for many centuries afterward.
People here speak Ladin, an ancient language heard daily in shops and streets alongside German and Italian. This living tradition shapes how locals interact and reminds visitors of the region's distinct identity.
The valley offers excellent skiing in winter with direct access to an extensive network of lifts and slopes through regional connections. During summer, marked hiking trails and bike routes start from the villages and lead into surrounding mountains at various difficulty levels.
Local artisans have been hand-carving wooden statues and figurines for about 400 years, creating products sold and displayed worldwide. Workshops remain active throughout the valley where visitors can watch skilled craftspeople at their benches using techniques passed down through generations.
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