Culture & tradition Val Gardena
Vacanze culturali in Val Gardena
Get to know the Ladin culture during your holiday in the Dolomites
Natural splendours and outdoor pursuits apart, there are many ways to explore the impressive, thousands of years old Ladin culture during your holiday in the Dolomites. Ladin is a Rhaeto-Romanic language that is still spoken by 90% of the population until this very day - it is also taught in school and used in the local media. Another attraction of this valley at the foot of the South Tyrolean Dolomites is the traditional craft of wood carving, which Gardena is famous for practically all over the world. Until this day, this craft is a vital industry of this holiday region and its second pillar besides tourism. Take advantage of your holiday in the Dolomites to participate in one of the numerous parochial and mundane celebrations that are held all year: processions with the traditional customes of Val Gardena, counting among the most beautiful in the Alpine region, the consecration of churches or field feasts, the traditional bringing down the cattle from the mountain pastures or the typical wedding procession of Gardena with music and traditional costumes.
Handicraft and art of the South Tyrolean Dolomites
During your holiday in Gardena in the South Tyrolean Dolomites the famous genuine arts and crafts of Gardena are all around. The local wood carving tradition dates back to the 17th century, when all the articles of daily use were made of wood. Today this craft is inseparable from the name Val Gardena and one of the most popular attractions of this valley in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. You will discover artificial wood carvings in many churches and chapels as well as in expositions showing beautiful cots - not only in Christmas time. The Museum de Gherdëina in Ortisei, where you can gain insights into the history of Val Gardena exemplified by archaeological and natural historic exhibits and many pictures is well worth a visit. The museum also commemorates the mountaineer, stage director and actor Luis Trenker. Another highlight during your family holiday in South Tyrol in Gardena is the Gherdëina Lat, a cheese dairy open for visitors with its adjacent adventure museum in Ortisei.
