Santa Cristina Valgardena

Access

The municipality is well connected: it is located along the Val Gardena state road, easily accessible from Chiusa and the unable to parserenner motorway. The nearest railway stations are those of Ponte Gardena and Bolzano, which are connected by regular buses. The most convenient airport is Bolzano, followed by Verona and Innsbruck.

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Introduction

Santa Cristina Valgardena (St. Christina in Gröden) is a municipality located in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, in the province of Bolzano. It rises 1,428 metres above sea level in the Ladin valley of Val Gardena, between Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena, and is framed by some of the most famous Dolomite peaks, including the Sassolungo group and the Sella massif. The village, with an authentically Ladin soul, is today one of the most famous tourist resorts in the Dolomites, renowned for its ski slopes, alpine landscapes and tradition of wood carving.

Description

The municipal area includes extensive alpine meadows and pastures, coniferous forests and the rocky walls of the Sassolungo, which is the dominant feature of the landscape. In summer, hiking trails run between alpine pastures and refuges to the Alpe di Siusi and Passo Sella, offering spectacular views of valleys and peaks. In winter, Santa Cristina transforms itself into a leading ski centre thanks to its direct connection with the Dolomiti Superski area and the legendary Saslong slope, the scene of Alpine Ski World Cup competitions.
The origins of Santa Cristina date back to the Middle Ages, when the valley was populated by Ladin communities dedicated to agriculture and livestock farming. Over the centuries, the village has kept the local language and traditions alive, thanks also to the natural isolation that has preserved its culture. The parish church, dedicated to St Christine, preserves significant artistic testimonies of local devotion. Among the personalities linked to the valley are famous sculptors and wood craftsmen who have made Val Gardena internationally famous.
The economy of the municipality, once based on agriculture and handicrafts, today revolves mainly around tourism, which is developed both in summer and winter. The tradition of wood carving remains an identity trait: many workshops and artisan laboratories continue to produce nativity scenes and sacred statues, handing down centuries-old knowledge. Local food and wine offer typical Ladin dishes such as canederli (dumplings), cajincí (stuffed ravioli) and apple strudel, often served in alpine refuges.
The town's cultural and religious life is marked by celebrations of the patron saint, Santa Cristina, and folkloristic events that highlight the Ladin language and traditional music. Country festivals, fairs and skiing events attract numerous visitors every year.
In terms of hiking, Santa Cristina offers routes of all levels: from panoramic walks along the Sentiero delle Leggende to more challenging climbs to the Sassolungo and Alpe di Siusi. The Monte Pana cable car and the cable car to Col Raiser provide quick access to extraordinary viewpoints. Close to the village is also the Castel Gardena (Fischburg), a charming historic residence built in the 17th century.

Information

Area: 31.92 sq. km
Altitude: 1428m
Maximum elevation: Sass Rigais (3025m)
Number of inhabitants: 1900
Name in dialect: S. Crestina - Gherdëina/S. Christina-Gherdëina in Ladin, St. Christina in Gröden in German
Name in local dialect: Gardenese/Grödner
 Patron Saint: St. Christina (24 July)
Internet site: www.comune.santacristina.bz.it
Webcam:
Neighbouring municipalities: Campitello di Fassa, Castelrotto, Funes, Ortisei, San Martino in Badia, Selva di Val Gardena
 Villages and hamlets:
Alpeggi: