Art & culture

Val Gardena used to be part of a territory called "Ladinia", and the traces of its two thousand years old history are still visible. From traditional wood carvings to modern galleries, Val Gardena has a lot to offer to art and culture lovers.
The craftsmen in Val Gardena had and still have a fine reputation for their skills and diligence.
The craftsmen in Val Gardena had and still have a fine reputation for their skills and diligence.

Discover an old way of life

For hundreds of years, Val Gardena was relatively isolated from the rest of civilization. Before tourists from all over the world discovered the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites and started visiting regularly, local life was mostly defined by farming, ancient traditions and a simple town life. Many customs and traditions from those days have survived and are still practiced! Here are some of the things that make Val Gardena unique.

Wood Carving

Wood carving was born in Val Gardena over four hundred years ago. At first it was simply a hobby, born out of the need to kill some time during the long, cold winter. But soon, the local population figured out that they could make some money selling sculptures and figures, and an export market was born.

As the skill and prestige of local artists increased over the centuries, Val Gardena soon became one of the planet’s premier producers of wood carvings, especially when it comes to sacred art. Countless churches and private collectors all around the world now proudly display artwork originating in Val Gardena. During your visit, make sure to visit a gallery or exhibition – you won’t be disappointed!

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The wood carvings from Val Gardena have become known worldwide and are still in great demand.
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Customs & Traditions

Val Gardena has kept up with the developments of the modern world, but if you happen to be around during a festivity or public holiday, you may feel like the clock has been turned back. Traditional garments, folk music and old customs are still an important part of local culture. Val Gardena’s “Tracht” (the traditional garment of German-speaking populations) is surely amongst the most beautiful in the world – if you have the chance to witness a parade, you’ll know what we mean!

Another thing that sets Val Gardena apart is that locals still speak the Ladin language, in their own distinct dialect. What used to be one of the most widely spoken tongues in the Alps is now confined to high-altitude valleys like Val Gardena, where it thrives and has remained the primary language of locals to this day. Ladin is still taught in schools, and you’ll even find Ladin newspapers, radio stations and TV programs. In short, Val Gardena represents a unique place in the world, one of the few where you can still catch a glimpse of a different, primal way of life. Come and discover the joys and pleasures of Ladin culture!

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The Ladins are not only a linguistic community but – as recent research has shown – even an ethnicity in their own right.
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Galleries & Exhibitions

Art lovers will find everything they are looking for in Val Gardena. From traditional wood carvings to modern sculptures and paintings by world-renowned artists, the focus is on variety, as the galleries feature constantly changing exhibits. Free admission is granted to all of the following:

Vijion Art Gallery

The Vijion Art Gallery was founded in 2010. Since 2019, Valentine and Egon Stuflesser's new exhibition space, illuminated by northern light, has been located in Pontives, near Ortisei. It is the gallery owners' fascination that keeps them inspired to highlight authentic and profound pieces that represent an international and culturally diverse community of emerging and established artists.

Galleria Doris Ghetta

Founded in 2013 by Doris Ghetta, Galleria Doris Ghetta is located in Pontives near Ortisei. About eight exhibitions a year are organised on its two floors. Here, contemporary artists and curators are invited to promote the local artistic community. The gallery also serves as a source of reference for international collectors.

Tip: As the Vijion Art Gallery is only 150 m away from the Galleria Doris Ghetta, a joint visit to both galleries is definitely worthwhile.

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The Galleria Doris Ghetta in Pontives, during an exhibition by Martina Steckholzer.
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Works by Philipp Eyrich and Cornelia Lochmann in the Vijion Art Gallery.
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The works of the artist Arnold Holzknecht on the ground floor of the Galleria Doris Ghetta.
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Near the roundabout in Pontives is the Vijion Art Gallery.
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Circolo

The Circolo - Circle for Art and Culture - is a true hotspot not only because of its perfect location in the centre of Ortisei, close to Antonius Square. It is an association of art lovers and art creators with 11 committee members and over 200 association members. Exhibitions, lectures and various presentations take place throughout the year, making it a must-visit for art lovers when passing through the village of Ortisei.

Art 52 Exhibition

Centrally located and apart of the Ortisei congress house, the Art 52 Exhibition refers to the 52 artists who present their entirely hand-carved sculptures and paintings to the public. The permanent exhibition presents itself as an intersection of different artistic trends and styles, attesting to the richness of Val Gardena's vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Tublà da Nives

A modernly-equipped barn, in Ladin "Tublà", is the centre for arts and culture in Selva. The Tublà da Nives, located 150 m from the Nives Square, is a real showstopper: rustic-traditional and at the same time innovative-modern is how to best describe the four exhibition rooms that stretch out over two levels.

Year-round exhibitions, lectures, cultural events, symposia, as well as high-level literary, musical or multimedia performances and much more are offered here.

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In the Circolo during the vernissage "Paradise lost" by Georg Erlacher.
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The exhibition "Glich & data" by Simon Perathoner in the Circolo.
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Works of the art high school, which were exhibited in the Circolo.
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The Art 52 exhibition is open to the public in the center of Ortisei.
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Arts & Culture Events

New works of art are constantly being presented in all of our galleries. Information about current exhibitions and other events for people interested in arts and culture can be found in the calendar of events.

Val Gardena in Costume

Hardly any event offers a better insight into the deep-rooted culture of Val Gardena than Val Garden in Costume, the traditional costume parade on the first Sunday in August. Every year, the colourfully decorated garments of local citizens are paraded with musical accompaniment.

Biennale Gherdëina

The Biennale Gherdëina, held every two years, offers works by internationally renowned as well as local artists. The exhibitions take place indoors and outdoors in the villages of Val Gardena and in the midst of nature. There are also several secondary events, including symposia, workshops, artist talks, conferences and smaller exhibitions.

Idea Unika

Every second year the artists of the Unika exhibit some works in the center of Ortisei. The messages conveyed through their statues and sculptures stimulate passers to reflect and make art easily accessible to everyone. Alternating annually with the Biennale Gherdëina, the works are on display from July to September.

Unika Art Fair

The Unika Art Exhibition in Val Gardena takes place every year at the beginning of September. Over the course of the three-day weekend exhibition, the works of about 40 artists can be admired.

Museum Gherdëina

This Val Gardena museum is located in the centre of Ortisei, only a few steps away from Antonius Square. If you want to know more about the history, culture and nature of the valley, this is the place to visit. From the wooden toys of the Val Gardena dolls to archaeological finds and the history of Luis Trenker, everything and more can be found here in one place.

The Museum Gherdëina is open in summer and winter. In addition to discounts for senior citizens, people with disabilities and groups, family tickets and student discounts are also available.

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A collection of wooden toys from Val Gardena is a main attraction of the museum.
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The Museum Gherdëina is located on the first floor of the Ladin house "Cësa di Ladins".
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In a 1960s living room you can find furniture and memorabilia by Luis Trenker.
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One of the museum's gems is the richly pictorial Lenten veil from St. Jacob's Church.
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One of the works of Josef Moroder Lusenberg (1846-1939), the most important painter of Val Gardena around 1900.
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Various fossils, including a stone core of the gastropod Bellerophon, can be found in the museum.
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Churches & Castles

Some of the oldest and most imposing buildings you will find in and around Val Gardena are churches and castles. Built centuries ago, these structures still stand as monuments of times gone by. As an example, the little church of San Giacomo – one of the best photo spots in all of Val Gardena - has its origins in the 12th century! Over the years, innumerable local artists have contributed to paint and decorate the churches in the valley, creating true architectoral masterpieces that are a sight to behold.

The story is a bit different for Val Gardena’s castles – not all of them have withstood the test of time, and some are in ruins. But there are plenty of great options to visit castles in the surrounding area if you’re looking to get a glimpse of the former lifestyle of feudal lords!

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The castle Gardena was built between 1622 and 1641 by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg.
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