Colfosco in Alta Badia.
The cradle of Ladin culture
The Ladin language originated from the Rhaeto-Romanic language. It is one of the most ancient languages spoken in South Tyrol, and its existence today is no doubt thanks to the remoteness of this Dolomitic valley. The same can be said for Ladin culture and traditions, which blend elements from both the Germanic and the Romanic world.
A land of myth and legend
Home to the mystical realm of the Fanes, the Dolomites fathered many a legend, inspired by the majestic beauty of their cliffs and peaks. Kings and dwarfs, princesses and warriors… can you recognise any of them in the mountain shapes?
The cave bears of the Conturines
On Mt. Conturines, at an altitude of 2,800 metres, there is a cave where ancient remains of cave bears and lions were found. Visit the Ursus Ladinicus Museum in San Cassiano to discover all about the bears that lived here 50,000 years ago and to learn how the Dolomites formed millions of years ago.
A picture-postcard church
With its distinctive onion-shaped belfry dome, the late-Gothic parish church of Colfosco makes a charming addition to the village landscape. The church is dedicated to St. Vigil and the archangel Michael and was first mentioned in records in 1419.
The Viles
The quaint Ladin hamlets are known as Viles – groups of farm houses, stables and fields that give the Alta Badia region its unique character. You can see these historical settlements from up close, for example by taking a walk in Longiarù, in the “mill valley”.
Discovering Ladin culture
The Ciastel del Tor Ladin Museum in San Martino in Badia provides fascinating insights into the origin and development of the Ladin culture. Among other things, visitors can learn interesting facts about the local customs and the everyday life of the Ladin population. The castle also hosts concerts and special exhibitions in its inner courtyard.
The Lagazuoi tunnel
During the First World War, there was a front line running right across the Dolomites. Kilometres of tunnels and galleries were built, which still lead through the mountains and are now accessible to the public. Visit the Lagazuoi open-air museum, where you can relive history by walking past trenches and emplacements.
