Badia, Italian comune
Badia is a small commune in South Tyrol nestled in a high valley between tall mountain peaks and surrounded by forests. The buildings are constructed from stone and wood, and the village spreads along the Gran Ega river as it flows through the valley.
Badia was founded in the 12th century when a group of nuns owned land here and built the first church in 1347. Over the centuries, the settlement preserved its Ladin language and local customs despite major changes in the surrounding region.
Badia is shaped by Ladin language and culture, which has been spoken and practiced here for generations despite outside changes. The community gathers regularly in small squares and at local markets, where neighbors share their days and craftspeople pass down traditions to younger generations.
The village is reached via good road connections linking it to neighboring towns and the regional capital, with small buses and car routes offering easy access. The best time for hiking is summer, while winter brings snow that can block mountain roads, so visitors should prepare accordingly.
The village is the starting point of the Maratona dles Dolomites, an annual bicycle race that begins in La Ila and takes riders over several mountain passes while introducing spectators to the rugged beauty of the Dolomites. This event brings visitors and residents together in a shared experience of the dramatic mountain landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.