Sights in Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva Val Gardena
Numerous sights in Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva will turn your holiday in Val Gardena even off the slopes and hiking paths into a special experience.
There are many places of interest in Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva that will make your holiday in Val Gardena, a special experience, even away from the slopes and hiking paths.
Val Gardena, the valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offers many attractions for visitors interested in culture. Churches, chapels, museums, monuments and ruins from the past and monuments nestled in the impressive natural scenery of the Dolomites are popular sights of Val Gardena and suitable destinations for the whole family.
The parish churches of the three villages Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva are decorated with beautiful wood carvings, numerous pictures and statues from by local artists. Especially worth mentioning is the church of S. Giacomo, the oldest church of Val Gardena as well as the numerous chapels and small churches, some of which were built on the alpine pastures and mountain passes.
Well preserved castles like the castle Gardena and ruins, like the castle ruine Wolkenstein or Stetteneck are witnesses of the early settlement of the valley and also worthwhile destinations.
Monuments of famous personalities are furthermore popular sights of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva. Amongst them is the Luis Trenker monument, situated on the promenade of the same name, which is dedicated to the world-famous son of Val Gardena.
There are many places of interest in Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva that will make your holiday in Val Gardena, a special experience, even away from the slopes and hiking paths.
Val Gardena, the valley in the heart of the Dolomites, offers many attractions for visitors interested in culture. Churches, chapels, museums, monuments and ruins from the past and monuments nestled in the impressive natural scenery of the Dolomites are popular sights of Val Gardena and suitable destinations for the whole family.
The parish churches of the three villages Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva are decorated with beautiful wood carvings, numerous pictures and statues from by local artists. Especially worth mentioning is the church of S. Giacomo, the oldest church of Val Gardena as well as the numerous chapels and small churches, some of which were built on the alpine pastures and mountain passes.
Well preserved castles like the castle Gardena and ruins, like the castle ruine Wolkenstein or Stetteneck are witnesses of the early settlement of the valley and also worthwhile destinations.
Monuments of famous personalities are furthermore popular sights of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva. Amongst them is the Luis Trenker monument, situated on the promenade of the same name, which is dedicated to the world-famous son of Val Gardena.
Museum de Gherdëina
The Museum de Gherdëina in Ortisei offers a captivating insight into the nature, culture and art of Val Gardena. Of particular note is the region’s long-standing woodcarving tradition, featuring sacred sculptures, nativity scenes and carved chess sets. Archaeological finds and fossils reveal the area’s early human settlements and the geological history of the Dolomites. A wide range of taxidermied animals, butterflies and alpine plants showcases the local flora and fauna. A special highlight is the virtual presentation of a prehistoric ichthyosaur. The exhibition is complemented by works of the Ladin painter Josef Moroder-Lusenberg, a Luis Trenker memorial collection and a unique array of historic wooden toys from Val Gardena.
Monte Pana Sundial
The Monte Pana sundial is of great interest to all hobby astronomers and chronometry experts. The sundial has a diameter of 2 meters and shows the apparent solar time for S. Cristina and 60 other cities, as well as the Central European Time. It also indicates the seasons, the beginning and end of the signs of the zodiac, the equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices.
The world’s biggest crib
The world’s biggest crib is located in the sport centre Iman in S. Cristina. Thanks to the craftsmanship and the commitment of 18 wood sculptors from Val Gardena, there are every year new figures of the crib family which can be seen in the year-round exhibition.
Chimes with radio clock in Selva
The chimes with radio clock attached at the house Sartëur in Selva, consists of nine bronze bells which play several melodies. At 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (in winter at 5 p.m.) four carved medieval figures turn in a circle to the melody. The paintings show different handicraft trades of Val Gardena.
Corn mill of Bulla
In Bulla, a small village above Ortisei, corn mills from the 18th-19th century can be visited. One of the three mills, the Rumanon mill, was restored in 1999 and is nowadays functional again.
Geotrail Bulla
The geological hike leads from the Passo Pinei to Bulla and shows the history of the Dolomites on several charts. The comfortable walk offers furthermore breathtaking views over the mountains of Val Gardena.
Tervela waterfall in S. Cristina
The Tervela Waterfall, a popular excursion destination amidst the stunning mountain scenery of the Dolomites, is located just opposite the centre of S. Cristina. The clear mountain stream originates at the foot of the Sassolungo, winds its way through the wooded slopes of Monte Pana, and then plunges thunderously over a rocky wall before joining the Gardena torrent after about 50 metres. Not far from the waterfall stands the statue “The Climber”, erected in 2014.
Val Gardena Railway tunnel in S. Cristina
From 1917 to 1960, the Val Gardena railway passed through the tunnel near the parish church of S. Cristina. After decades of disuse, the tunnel was reopened in 2017 following extensive restoration work. Today, it is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and hikers keen to explore the former railway line. Inside the tunnel, interactive information panels allow visitors to listen to the Ladin song “La ferata” and discover fascinating insights into the history, engineering and cultural uniqueness of the Val Gardena railway. These anecdotes and historical facts make the tunnel a living testimony to a bygone era.
Uhrerhof rose garden in Bulla
The Rosarium Uhrerhof in Bulla, above Val Gardena, is the highest rose garden in Europe, located at an impressive altitude of 1,500 metres. The terraced garden is home to over 6,000 rose bushes representing more than 250 different varieties. This vast sea of flowers is not only an invitation to admire and photograph, but also to relax: several benches offer the perfect spot to enjoy the view over Ortisei and the majestic peaks of the Dolomites.
Sundial on the Juac Alp
The sundial on the Juac, above Selva di Val Gardena, created by the Val Gardena artist Roland Moroder, is a fascinating work of art set amidst a wide alpine meadow. Standing at an altitude of 1,903 metres, the imposing sundial forms a striking shape with its cone and large circle. This impressive artwork can be easily reached via path no. 3, which starts at Daunëi and leads to the alp in about 30 minutes. During the walk you can enjoy not only the breathtaking view of the Dolomites but also the peace and openness of the alpine pastures at the edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The Juac Hut is a welcome place to stop after the walk and enjoy the unforgettable panorama.
Paratoni farm and trail of traditional farms in S. Cristina
The Paratoni farm, one of the oldest and best preserved farms in the Alpine region, is a listed building and its cosy restaurant invites you to stop and taste typical Ladin specialities. It is part of the trail of historic mountain farms in S. Cristina, which starts at the parish church and winds through the picturesque natural surroundings, where numerous information panels provide fascinating insights into the history of farming traditions and the development of the cultural landscape of Val Gardena.
Dolomites UNESCO viewpoint Mastlé
Since 2009, the Dolomites have been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a testament to their extraordinary scenic beauty and geological significance. To showcase this uniqueness, seven World Heritage terraces have been established across South Tyrol. One of these is located on the picturesque Mastlé alpine pasture in Santa Cristina. From this particularly stunning vantage point, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the striking peaks of the Odle Group. Each of these locations has been carefully chosen to highlight a specific geological or scenic aspect of the Dolomites. The World Heritage Terrace at the Mastlé alpine pasture allows visitors to experience the origins and geological diversity of this fascinating natural landscape up close.
Churches and chapels in Val Gardena
Parish church of Ortisei
The remarkable sacral building in Ortisei dates back to the late baroque period and has been added with two side aisles at the beginning of the 20th century. Especially worth seeing are the numerous wood carvings, ceiling frescos and paintings in the inside of the church.
St. Antonio chapel
The St. Antonio chapel on the main square of Ortisei in Val Gardena was built among the years 1673 and 1676 in the renaissance style. Particularly noteworthy are the side altars with the oil paintings of Josef Moroder-Lusenberg, the altarpiece depicting the chapel’s patron saint, S. Anthony of Padua and the Lourdes-grotto with Madonna sculptures.
St. Anne’s chapel
The St. Anne’s chapel was built in the 15th century and is situated at the cemetery of Ortisei. Worth seeing is the baroque altar and the old gravestones and memorial tablets.
Church of Saint Giacomo
The church of Saint Giacomo dedicated to St. James the protector of pilgrims and hikers, is situated above Ortisei and is only reachable via idyllic walking paths. According to historic documents it is the oldest church in Val Gardena, with origins going back to the 12th century. Worth seeing are the gothic frescos, the wall paintings next to the pulpit and the carved baroque altar with gold plated figures. The sculptures and some art objects are good reproductions of local artists, the precious original can be found in the Museum de Gherdëina in Ortisei.
Parish church of S. Cristina
The church of S. Cristina is the oldest parish church in Val Gardena and has first been mentioned in a pontifical letter of indulgence from 1342. The remains from the Romanesque church of former times is a part of the bell tower. Later rebuilding and additional structures changed the original character of the church. Especially worth seeing is the high altar surround (created 1690 in the workshop of the famous Vinazer family of sculptors).
St. Mary’s parish church in Selva
The parish church St. Mary’s is a popular place of pilgrimage in Val Gardena. The neo-Gothic nave of the 19th century was replaced by a modern construction in 1988. The beautiful sanctuary of 1670 with the miraculous image on the high altar has been preserved. The parish church of Selva has its origins in the chapel of Maria Hilf, built in 1503 by Wilhelm von Wolkenstein. The chapel had to be enlarged several times to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.
The silvester chapel in Vallunga in Selva
The beautiful, little Silvester chapel is located at the entrance of Vallunga in Selva. Dedicated to the patron saint of cattle, it has always been a popular place of prayer. In 1993 restoration works carried out 300 year old, precious frescoes depicting the life of Jesus.
Memorial chapel in Selva
The memorial chapel at the cemetery of Selva reminds of the mountaineers who lost their lives in the Dolomites. Their names are engraved for posterity in the large brass book.
Chapel at the „Passo Gardena“
The chapel dedicated to Saint Maurizio is located on the Passo Gardena, an impressive mountain pass in the Dolomites. It offers a breathtaking view that captivates every visitor and is a favourite place for rest, meditation, and prayer. The charm of the chapel harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding nature, giving this place a special and unique atmosphere.
Parish church of Bulla
The parish church of Bulla dates back to the 13th century and was dedicated to Saint Leonhard. Besides the beautiful roman construction style also the high altar form the 18. century is particularly noteworthy.
Heilig Kreuz Chapel
Highly recommended is a hike to the Heilig-Kreuz-Chapel at Rasciesa di Fuori in Val Gardena. The chapel, which was built in the year 1755, is located at an altitude of 2200 m and offers breathtaking views over the Dolomites.
Castles in Val Gardena
The ruin of Wolkenstein castle
The ruin of Wolkenstein castle, a popular destination in Val Gardena, is reachable on a short but steep path from Vallunga in Selva. The medieval remains of the wall are located at an altitude of 1600 meters in the Stevia wall. The castle dates back to the 13th century and was headquarter of the Tyrolean noble family Wolkenstein-Trostburg.
Castel Gardena - Fischburg
The castel Gardena is situated on a hill at the border of Selva and S. Cristina. The summer castle and hunting lodge was commissioned by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg in the year 1622 and completed in 1641. Although Renaissance in style, its massive proportions are more reminiscent of the medieval art of fortification. The German name of the castle “Fischburg” refers to the fish ponds which were situated in the vicinity in former times. In the year 1841 the castle was given to the communities Selva and S. Cristina for the construction of a poorhouse. Since 1926 the Castel Gardena is property of the Venetian baron Carlo Franchetti and is therefore not open to the public.
Robber baron Stetteneck
In summer 2000 the remains of the legendary robber baron Stetteneck were discovered in Ortisei at the Pincan hill (Val d’Anna). The archaeologists found remains of the wall during test excavations and during further excavations large parts of the protective wall, the foundation of the main tower and remains of a Romanesque gate. The castle dates back to the 13th century and was mentioned only once in a paper from the year 1324. The robber baron Stetteneck became famous through the legends of the Dolmites by KF Wolff.
Memorials and monuments in Val Gardena
Luis Trenker memorial
The memorial dedicated to the mountaineer, famous actor, producer and writer from Val Gardena Luis Trenker can be found on the promenade of Ortisei. Luis Trenker was an influential figure in the early 20th-century film industry, recognized for his work in mountain films, a genre that celebrated alpine landscapes and adventures. Born in Ortisei in 1892 , Trenker was a mountain guide and architect before turning to film. His cinematic career began in the 1920s with German director Arnold Fanck, starring in films like "The Holy Mountain" (1926) and "The White Hell of Pitz Palu" (1929). Later, Trenker directed and wrote scripts for films such as "The Prodigal Son" (1934) and "Mountain Crystal" (1949), which were acclaimed for their beautiful cinematography and moral narratives. Trenker died in Italy in 1990.
Purger memorial
Johann Baptist Purger was instrumental in the construction of the Val Gardena road from Ponte Gardena to Ortisei, despite many challenges. A memorial honoring his contribution is located next to the church square, serving as a testament to his dedication and the lasting impact of his work on the development and accessibility of the region.
Monument Emilio Comici
Emilio Comici was a pioneering Italian alpinist, known for his innovative rock climbing techniques and over 200 first ascents, particularly in the Dolomites. Born in Trieste in 1901, Comici was one of the first climbers to use artificial aids like pitons and carabiners, revolutionizing the sport. One of his most notable achievements was the solo ascent of the north face of the Cima Grande di Lavaredo in 1933. However, his life was cut short by a climbing accident in 1940. Despite his untimely death, Comici's contributions have significantly influenced climbing and continue to inspire future generations of alpinists. A wooden monument in his memory can be found in Vallunga, Selva Gardena.
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