Culture & Sights in the Dolomites Region Alta Badia

Colz Castle, also called Rubatsch Residence, is a massive building, which boasts a curtain wall with four round towers and many embrasures.

The castle dates back to the year 1536, when Ferdinand I allowed Hans von Rubatsch to build himself a residence. At the end of the 16th century the castle entered into the possession of the Lords of Colz. In the course of time, the building served many functions, like the one of a poorhouse. Finally, it entered into the possession of a farmer’s family.

Colz Castle gained some popularity thanks to the knight Franz Wilhelm Prack zu Asch, also called “Gran Bracun“, who lived in the Ladin valleys between 1573 and 1581 and was known for his cruel but heroic battles.

Finally, Colz Castle was restored. Today it is private. 

This chapel was built in 1993 at a very tranquil place at the foot of the "Sas Dlacia" behind the camping area. It is dedicated to the Madonna of Lourdes.

The donations from visitors have already been used to build a draw well in Africa.

The Coz residence is a short distance away from San Linert. The name "Coz" appears to be of pre-Latin origin and comes from the word "koltju" although we do not know where this word comes from or what it means. This is one of the oldest farms in the area.

The Coz residence we see today was built by the Colz family in 1604. The residential part was renovated in 1996/97. The Colz family sold the farm to the Winkler family from St. Lorenzen in 1695 and they sold it to Jakob Irsara in 1754 and his family still own the farm.

The house has a rectangular form and a hipped roof, along with two wings. The decorations in the house chapel are very valuable; built in 1613 we can see scenes from the creation, the life of Moses, the Crucifixion and the copper snake. On the external wall we can see two saints; St. Christopher and St. Florian.

In addition to the living quarters there are also smaller buildings such as the corn silo, the smithy and the fodder store.

The Coz residence is now a private dwelling and can be seen from outside on the route of the Badia culture trail.

In 2022, on the initiative of the meditation group of La Val, and under the direction of labyrinth expert Gernot Candolini, a labyrinth was built in the centre of the area occupied by the former church of San Genesio. It is a simple Gothic labyrinth, consisting of five paths traced with brook stones. Many things here in Dlijia vedla remind us of the transience of life: the remains of the old church walls, the abandoned cemetery.

Memento mori - Memento vivere!

Everything passes quickly, and the moment never stops. So be present and aware, enjoy the view, feel the hope that lurks in life, let yourself be inspired and blessed by goodness and change.

"This place here is a place of power, you must make use of it" Dr. Karl Gruber, Regional Conservator

The Piceplan Chapel was built in 1887 and is dedicated to the Mother of God.

Twice a year, the local people arrange a pilgrimage to the chapel.

The idyllic mountain lake, situated at 2252 metres above sea level, lies in a deep natural basin surrounded by the rugged cliffs of the Sella Group. The lake can be reached from the top station of the Boé cable car in just 20 minutes on an easy footpath. Those who want to walk a little longer can reach the Franz Kostner hut on the Vallon from Lake Boé on path no. 638.

Father Heinrich Videsott was born on July 3, 1912 in Mantana near Brunico and died on December 9, 1999 in La Val. Pastor Videsott particularly stood out for his spiritual charisma, his deep piety and great compassion. He showed an unlimited willingness to help and was an ambassador of the goodness and love of God.

The etymology of “Ruac” remains uncertain. It may derive from the Latin rivus and aceus— meaning “rocky territory” – or it may come from a pre-Latin form rova and aceus, meaning “landslide”. The origins of the name Alfarëi are more certain, however, and indicate a place where aspen trees grow.

Vila Ruac is one of the oldest buildings in Alta Badia, built in a late-Romantic style and dates back to the medieval period. This type of building is characterized by its lower section, made of masonry, and an upper level in wood with a large balcony, which typically faces the valley. What was once the hay barn has a stable on the ground floor and is characterized by a wide balcony, the "parincinch", where agricultural products were dried.

Nearby there is a small mill, as well as a sawmill used to cut wood.
 

Today, the house "Alfarëi" is a restaurant where typical food is prepared on reservation.

The hamlets are farming communities spread over the slopes of Val Badia at an altitude of between 1200 and 1700 metres.

They differ from typical farms in the rest of South Tyrol in their concentrated form as well as their basic structure and administration.

The space under the bridge leading to the barn and the paths that link everything together belong to all the farmers in the hamlet.
The surrounding field are divided so that each family can earn a living.

The farm houses are located one next to the other in the hamlets and next to them the fodder stores, the corn silo, the wood shed, the well and a small chapel.

Parish church St. Genesius.                                            

Old parish church St. Genesius.                                                         

The Alta Badia Valley, which spreads over 16 km in the southeastern part of Südtirol/Alto Adige, lies in a sunny basin surrounded by imposing Dolomite peaks and framed by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Puez - Odle Nature Park and the Fanes - Senes – Braies Nature Park.

The Puez-Odle natural park, measures 10,722 hectares and spreads across the municipalities of Corvara and Badia in Alta Badia, Ortisei, St Christina and Selva in Val Gardena as well as San Martino in Badia and Funes.

Part of the natural park are the mountains of the Odle group, the Pütia group and the high-plateau-like Puez group with the Sassongher mountain.

The Dolomite High Route no. 2, known as the "high route of legends" leads through the area of the Puez natural park.

From a geological perspective, Puez-Odle natural park is particularly interesting since all the rock strata typical of the Dolomites can be found here, such as Gröden limestone, Bellerophon strata, Wengen and St Cassian strata, Schlern dolomite, Raibler strata, Dachstein dolomite as well as Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks.

The Dolomite massif which splits off from the orographic core of the Sella and turns north in the Puez and Geisler group, has its outermost branch in the Peitlerkofel. Beyond that, the quartz foothills form the Lüsen caldera and the Plose elevation, whereas the Porphyr massif splits off from the Raschötz in the west.

This difference of geological structures result in this zone's diversity of shapes and landscapes. The grey and uniform Puez plateau's typical, tabular structure forms a contrast to the slim and bold shapes of the Cir and Geisler peaks, the Sassongher and the Peitlerkofel. This groups' sceneries are characterised by recessed, cliffy and austere shapes. Kilometre by kilometre, the eyes wander over deep solitude, a sort of moon landscape whose rough waves, grey pebble fields and white rock ledges which embody a harsh sterility.

Families which have owned the same land for more than 200 years are awarded a "Deed of inheritance" by the Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol. The Nagler family has been honoured in this way.

The original name was "Murin da Coz" because grain from the Coz farm was milled ("murin" means mill in Ladin) here. The oldest written documents mention Hof Palua (The Palua farm) in about 1566, Pares in 1780 and finally Murin. The first settlement can be dated 1296; the saw and the grain mill probably needed water power. In 1771 the "Brochia" family from Longiarü settled here. In common with many other family names in Val Badia, "Brochia" was reinvented in German, in this case, as "Nagler".

In those days, priests - as well judges - came from places outside Ladinia and they could not speak Ladin which led them to renaming their family names; most written documents were set out in German or Italian. Before 1800 the Ladin language was used relatively rarely in written documents.

Now the Murin farm is private and can be visited outside doing the culture trail in Badia.

Permanent exhibition of paintings by R. Mussner c/o Stüa dal Te Raetia. The works are also for sale.

The Deer Park “Sompunt”, between La Villa and Badia includes more than 7 hectares of meadows and forest where more than 30 species of deer and fallow deer live together in harmony.
The park can be easily reached by car, bus or by foot.

Starting from the hut “Paraciora” and following an easy marked path, you can admire these wild animals living in uncontaminated nature.
The path is approx. 1 km long.

The route is indicated by arrows and information boards on which you will find some information about the park and its majestic inhabitants. The trail is also suitable for trekking strollers.

• Every Tuesday from 1st July till 1st October from 10. 00 a.m. until 11.00 a.m. you can visit the Deer Park with the owner. The Meeting Point for this free visit is the “Paraciora” hut. The visit is free.

Our Park offers a playground for children and there are also ponies, donkeys, rabbits, ducks, chicken and goats to see.

The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus tells the fascinating story of the cave bear that lived over 50,000 years ago in the Dolomites and was discovered in the Conturines cave, considered the highest-altitude site in the world where the remains of the cave bear and cave lion have been found. Visitors can also explore the geological history of the Dolomites, beautifully narrated through stunning fossils.

The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus, an annex of the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor in San Martino in Badia, is spread over three floors.

On the top floor, the formation of the Dolomites is illustrated with unique fossils of great scientific interest, typical of the area surrounding San Cassiano.

Next is the section dedicated to the formation of the cave, its discovery, and the excavations that unearthed thousands of bones. All the essential aspects of the cave bear's life and its environment are explained through the Ursus ladinicus remains, dating back more than 50,000 years.

On the ground floor, visitors can explore a reconstruction of the bear's cave, where they can admire "the mother bear in eternal hibernation with her cub."

Accessible for people with disabilities: The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus is fully wheelchair accessible.

Spectacular Dolomite peaks and legendary passes. Offering many fascinating options for nature lovers, epicures and athletes, the Sellaronda ranks among the most beautiful and popular tours in the Alps. Fabulous slopes and thrilling ski touring races in winter, legendary bicycle competitions and leisure tours with race bicycle and mountain bike in summer. Top-class events and individual excursions. The Sellaronda makes your dreams come true.

In the Alta Badia valley, in Corvara and Colfosco you are directly on the Sellaronda, in winter as well as in summer. Once you start, a varied day awaits, leading over a unique run crossing four Ladin valleys Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Arabba and Val di Fassa and you'll be sure to make special memories along the way. Above all, the Sellaronda tour is a pleasant, stress-free tour which combines beautiful downhill runs with gastronomical specialties.

The biotope relaxing zone is frequently visited by young and adult guests that appreciate the three ponds, a lawn with showers, a bar with restaurant and a children's playground.

There are three small lakes: a small pond, a children's pool and a regeneration pond which was built separately, to ensure the protection of the regeneration zone during bathing season. The pond is purified mechanically, but most of all biologically.

Prices:

Adults: € 10,00
Children (7-14): € 8,00
Children (up to 6 years and only if accompanied): € 5,00
1 Entrance + 1 Sunbed with umbrella: 16,00€
2 Entrances + 2 sunbeds with parasol: 28,00€

If we take the path above the Church in Badia, after about half an hour, we arrive at a junction; one road leads to Valgiarëi and the other to Sotciastel. The name of this farm is easy to  explain; the Ciastel farm is further above. As is the case in many other places the name of the settlement below is given with the preposition "sot" (below).

In the 1980s Sotciastel became famous as the result of research carried out by the University of Trento in cooperation with the Provincial Monument Office and the Ladin Cultural Institute "Micurá de Rü". These excavations proved that a Bronze Age settlement including permanent living quarters once stood here. The kind of articles found - parts of weaving looms, kitchen implements, agricultural tools, jewellery, pins and awls - lead us to believe that the settlement was agricultural and pastoral, was inhabited the whole year round and that above all sheep, goats, oxen and cattle were reared.

The settlement in Sotciastel appears to have been one of the first in the valley where people lived for a longer period of time.

Mount Conturines, located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, is the highest mountain in the Fanes group of which it is also one of the most representative.

The hike to Mt. Conturines, in the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park, starts in San Cassiano / Capanna Alpina. The ascent to the cave is challenging, the hike is therefore recommended for well trained mountaineers only.

On trail no.11 climb up o the Col de Locia towards Fanes until you reach the Gran Plan (great plain in Ladin language). Continue to the left on a slope of mountain pines and climb on steep screes to the foot of Mt. Conturines at 2800 m, where you will find the entrance of a bear cave.

The discovery of the Conturines cave in 1987 was a big sensation: within the cave there were found the fossilised remains of a cave bear. Studies of the bones have subsequently revealed that the fossilized skull, teeth, and bones found in the cave do not originate, as initially suspected, from a cave bear of recent times, but rather do belong to a cave bear of the Middle Ice Age. The Conturines bear was named Ursus ladinicus, in honor of the Ladin valley where it was found.

The access to the cave is allowed only on the occasion of guided hikes organized by the Alta Badia Tourism Cooperative. The fossil remains are exposed in the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in San Cassiano.

Together with the pre-existing buildings, summit station of the cable car and pizza pavilion, the new mountain restaurant forms a courtyard situation sheltered from the wind in the very exposed, protected landscape site.  The new building, however, crouches down, an elongated single-story building, and appears almost as if part of the site. The architecture goes against the usual style of a mountain hut: a wide, cantilevered platform roof protects the underlying perimetric floor-to-ceiling glass façade, which makes the building appear more transparent and lighter. Familiar materials, though, were used: wood terraces, wood furniture, as well as natural stone masonry for the kitchen and adjoining room area. Three timber-clad cubes divide the otherwise completely open floor plan of the spacious guest area, which feels more like a lounge than a mountain hut.

Sompunt is located between Badia and La Villa and was an important residence for the families Mayrhofen and Koburg (rich families in the 19th century).
The house was already mentioned in the year 1296 and it is painted with decorations dating back to the 16th century.

Today the house is privately owned and inhabited.

Slopes:
Lagazuoi: length - 3.5 km, elevation difference - 600 m
Armentarola: length - 7.5 km, elevation difference - 1130 m

Times:
Line taxi Armentarola - Passo Falzarego (approx. 10 km): 20 minutes
Lagazuoi cable car: approx. 30 minutes
Descent Lagazuoi - Sas Dlacia: approx. 30 minutes

Taxi Service

• Hotel Armentarola - Passo Falzarego (10.2 km): €8.00/person (min. €40.00)
• Capanna Alpina - Passo Falzarego (10.4 km): €8.00/person (min. €40.00)
• Capanna Alpina - Hotel Armentarola (2.5 km): €4.00/person (min. €20.00)

Contact: +39 0471 180000 (08:30-17:00)

Horse Tow

• Schedule: 09:30-16:00
• Rate: €4.00/person

The horse tow will not operate if the route is closed or in heavy snow conditions.

Church of St. Jakob and St. Leonard: the first reference to the church comes from a 14th century document. 

The bell tower is in gothic style while the inside of the church is in rococò style. The interior paintings are the work of M. Günther, executed in 1778, and make this church the most significant rococò monument in Ladinia.

The late Gothic church of Colfosco, with the Sella Massif in the background, is a popular photo motif of the Dolomites.

The parish church of St. Vigil was first mentioned in 1419. In the following years it was restored and expanded several times.

Particularly interesting are the neo-Gothic lobby on the outer facade with a grooved and beveled pointed arch portal, the bulbous spire and the church altar. This dates from the late 19th century and is from the local artist Johann Valentin - Badia. In the middle niche of the altar there is an 18th century picture of the Virgin Mary and on the sides there are the statues of St. Vigilius and St. Kassian. For safety reasons, the valuable statue of St. Vigilius has been replaced with a copy.

The "Ciasanöia" is the old tavern and was an important meeting point for the residents of Badia.

It is similar to a castel and was built in 1614 for the nuns of Sonnenburg (Castel near Brunico). It was the seat of this Domination.

Today the house is privately owned and not open to the public.

A church of the village was already mentioned in a document of the 15th century.

The reconstructed building dates back to 1782. The exterior aspect of the building consists of clearly separated architectural parts, while the interior decoration presents a subdivision in pilasters.

Gigant – the giant, is a work of art in polished steel that was created by the artist Daniele Basso for the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Ski World Cup in Alta Badia. The giant takes up the skier of the World Cup logo and symbolizes the sport of skiing. It is, above all, an acknowledgement to all the volunteers who contributed to the great and unique success of the Ski World Cup in Alta Badia.

The artwork was set up at the Piz La Ila mountain station where the descent to the famous Gran Risa slope begins.

Alta Badia, also known as the Gourmet Valley in the Dolomites, has been recognised for many years by the leading gastronomy guides. And indeed, in Alta Badia you can find four Michelin stars in just 15 square kilometers.

And the best thing is: you don't have to go to the most exclusive restaurants to find great food. For years, high-quality gastronomy has been one of the most important aspects of Alta Badia's tourist offer so you will be able to satisfy the joys of the palate both, in the valley as well as at the top of the mountain and on the ski slopes.