S. Cristina

A place to find your inner peace, while the time away, and one village which will keep you coming back: these qualities – or similar ones – always crop up when talking about the sun-kissed village of Santa Cristina in Dolomites Val Gardena. The village is surrounded by verdant, blossoming meadows and interesting rocky shapes and forms, making this beautiful village a location where hospitality and traditions go hand-in-hand. 

S. Christina has fewer than 2,000 inhabitants and most of them work in tourism and are always delighted to welcome the countless hikers, cyclists, skiers and families that spend their holiday in this magical location.

Cultural events and associations are a very important part in S. Cristina, yet another proof that locals of Dolomites Val Gardena live up to the sense of duty they feel towards their home. The village band has been around since 1856 and the choir since 1972. Moreover, folk music is performed and kept alive in countless other musical associations. The majority of the associations take care of shaping the cultural life in S. Cristina. They organise celebrations where locals and guests alike mingle and celebrate many times a year.

S. Cristina is an ideal starting point for active days in Val Gardena, especially in winter. From here, skiers can easily reach the slopes of Dolomiti Superski and enjoy direct access to the legendary Sellaronda, set amid the spectacular scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. Cross-country skiers will also find excellent conditions at the well-known Monte Pana cross-country skiing centre, perfect for both relaxed and sporty rounds in the snow.

One of the highlights of the winter season is the Alpine Ski World Cup in Val Gardena. Every year, a downhill race and a Super-G are held on the famous Saslong slope – a special experience for anyone who wants to see top-level ski racing up close.

Outside the winter season, S. Cristina also offers many opportunities for active days. Hiking trails lead directly from the village into the Dolomites, while tennis courts and a sports field provide additional variety.

There are many sights to discover in and around S. Cristina. It is worth taking a leisurely walk through the traffic-calmed village centre and taking time to admire its beautiful buildings. A visit to the parish church of S. Cristina is particularly recommended, as it houses several works by renowned local sculptors.

Between S. Cristina and Selva lies Fischburg Castle. This Renaissance-style summer residence and hunting lodge was built in the 17th century by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg and is an impressive eye-catcher. As the castle is privately owned, it cannot be visited inside, but its exterior is still well worth seeing.

Another special place to visit is the spherical sundial on Monte Pana. Those interested in railway history should follow the Val Gardena railway trail: along the route, 14 panels tell the story of the former Val Gardena railway. The Tervela waterfall, located just opposite the village centre, is also worth a short detour. Another waterfall can be found in Soplajes, a district of S. Cristina.

The mountainous surroundings in Santa Cristina are geological witnesses of a time long gone. Rocky samples from the Dolomites have revealed the dramatic changes which have been taking place over the course of millions of years on the planet. Santa Cristina’s history itself goes as far back as the 13^th century, when the village was mentioned in written documents for the first time. The region’s farmers were extremely poor for many centuries and diseases and natural catastrophes always caused victims as well personal strife and losses among the local population.

In the 20^th century both world wars left their mark on the region. Numerous local men lost their lives during the conflicts, yet the events also provided S. Cristina with its first railway tracks after World War I. These would represent a boon for the local area as they became the beating heart of the industry. As the fascist regime took over, the new government tried to rid South Tyrol and Dolomites Val Gardena of their Austrian influence, an attempt which clearly failed due to the local’s resistance.

Many people in S. Cristina speak Italian as well as other languages, but they also speak Ladin and consider themselves part of the Ladin culture. The ‘Grödener Tracht’, folks songs and the widespread use of woodcarving represent one of the clearest signs of territorial cohesion and speak to the locals’ joy in maintaining their traditions alive.

You can expect cultural and musical events as well as sports competitions, during the lush green summertime but also whitewashed winter scenery. For every taste and every season.