Livigno
Overview
A valley more than 22 km long at an altitude of 1,816 metres: here lies Livigno (whose name probably derives from the late Latin word labineus, namely “place subject to avalanches”): a true mountain paradise, both in summer and winter, protected by the Italian Alps. A destination chosen by Italians and international tourists to spend their holidays in pursuit of fun, sport, relaxation and good food.
Local Cusine
The so-called Little Tibet offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants throughout the streets of the pedestrianised centre, as well as alpine huts and inns located in the surrounding valley. The fil rouge of Livigno’s food and wine offer is the quality of the products and the genuineness of the raw materials, meticulously chosen by the chefs to create unique dishes telling the story and traditions of Livigno.
Points of Interest
MUS! Livigno and Trepalle Museum: located in an old Livigno home, this museum aims to promote culture and tradition, documenting local history and offering educational workshops and events not to be missed.
Trepalle: Trepalle is the highest inhabited village in Europe (at 2,069 metres). Connected to Livigno both by a road and a panoramic path running through Val Tort, it has a special history intertwined with that of Don Alessandro Parenti, a parish priest with an energetic and innovative spirit who left an indelible mark on the history of the village and the entire Valtellina. The figure of Don Alessandro Parenti is said to have inspired the writer Giovannino Guareschi, who visited Trepalle in the summer of 1948 and met the priest on this occasion. Guareschi was very impressed both by the village – an ideal destination for those who want to live outside the city context and be completely surrounded by nature – and by the parish priest.
Santa Cristina Valgardena / St. Christina in Gröden (Monte Pana)
Overview
Surrounded by flower-filled meadows and bizarre rock formations, this charming town is a place where hospitality and joy of tradition come together in a truly inviting combination. Santa Cristina has just under 2,000 inhabitants, most of whom are active in tourism and know how to welcome the many hikers, cyclists, skiers and families who spend their holidays here.
Points of Interest
- St. James’ Church: tradition has it that the Church of St. James, located in the area of the ancient ‘Troi Paian’ path, is the oldest church in the valley. It was consecrated to the patron saint of travellers and pilgrims. From the town of Ortisei, the church can be reached on foot (approx. 1 hour) along an uphill path; alternatively, visitors can comfortably reach it by bus or by car in approx. 15 mins. Additionally, a path leads from the church of St. Christina to this picturesque 12th-century church, whose exterior is distinctively Gothic, while the interior also has Baroque details.
- Dolomites UNESCO Panoramic terrace Mastlé – S. Cristina Val Gardena: in 2009, the Dolomites were recognised as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site due to their scenic beauty and extraordinary geological and geomorphological importance. The Dolomites and the Puez-Odle Nature Park were granted the highest accolade for a natural site. A panoramic balcony has been created in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, in the vicinity of the Col Raiser cable car station at 2200 metres.
- Monte Pana – PanaRaida – Adventure Trail and Troi Unika: the entrance to the PanaRaida adventure trail is located in Santa Cristina, precisely at the Monte Pana car park, from where it continues to the valley station of the Monte Sëura chairlift. This is where the friendly but yet adventurous clockwise or counter-clockwise route begins, along which visitors can enjoy ten different stations equipped with natural materials for the unforgettable enjoyment of young and old alike. The ‘Troi UNIKA’ theme trail on Monte Pana allows guests to discover the beauty and uniqueness of the natural landscape together with the deep-rooted Val Gardena tradition of wood carving. The various stops invite the visitor to discover the small and large wonders of nature and to admire fine examples of original Val Gardena craftsmanship.
- “La ferata de Gherdëina” – The Val Gardena railway and the little train tunnel in S. Cristina: the Val Gardena railway, or ‘la ferata’ in Ladin, was built for military purposes by thousands of Russian prisoners of war, soldiers and civilians in just four and a half months, between 1915 and 1916. The expansion of the automobile industry in 1960 marked the end of the Val Gardena railway. Today, a walk leads from Ortisei (where the old steam locomotive can be seen), via S. Cristina and Selva, along the former route, marked by information boards and historical illustrative material. From 1917 to 1960, the Val Gardena train ran through the tunnel near the parish church of S. Cristina. In 2017, tunnel modernisation made it accessible to history-loving passers-by or those simply strolling along the Val Gardena train path.
- The world’s largest hand-carved nativity scene: at the Iman Sports Centre in S. Cristina, the world’s largest life-size, hand-carved nativity scene is on display. This work of art has been constantly expanded since 1988 and can be visited free of charge all year round.
- The Sëurasas viewing terrace: the Sëurasas (2,125 m), high above S. Cristina, is a peaceful spot surrounded by nature. The hiking trail leading to the Sëurasas not only offers a fantastic view, but the interesting conditions of the path make it a special experience for all hiking lovers.
