History & geography

The name Val Gardena is first recorded in a deed of gift from the year 999, when Duke Otto von Andechs made the Bishop of Freising a present of an area of woodland called "Forestum ad Gredine". Val Gardena – Gröden in German and Gherdëina in Ladin – means "fence".

Val Gardena, the heartland of the Ladin culture, is about thirteen miles long and runs more or less from west to east from the narrow entrance to the valley at Ponte Gardena to Selva at the end of the valley and up to Passo Gardena and Passo Sella. The lowest point is located at 470 m above sea-level, while the highest is Sassolungo (3,181 m).

Val Gardena starts off as a gorge-like valley before it opens out after the defile at Pontives to form a high-level valley at Roncadizza, at about 1,100 m above sea-level.

From Pontives the valley rises gradually to Ortisei (1,236 m) and continues to gain in height as far as S. Cristina (1,428 m) and Selva Gardena (1,563 m). These are the main centres of the three valley communities, of which Selva Gardena is the biggest in area. Roncadizza, Bulla and Oltretorrente – on the left bank of Rio Gardena – have been part of the adjoining community of Castelrotto since the Middle Ages. For the church, however, the valley is a single unit, the Deanery of Val Gardena.

Concerning the history we do not know a lot about the area of the Dolomites if we think of the prehistoric times. Some reminds announce on one hand an early settlement of this area but on the other hand we haven’t got much information about the way of life. It is merely based upon suppositions.
But one remind found in Val Gardena made prick up an archeologist’s ear: at "Plan de Frea" prehistoric objects were found during archaeological excavations. Archeologists date this find 6000 before Christ. Arrowheads, needles and other tools turned out to be the oldest archaeological finds in the whole area of the Dolomites.

This supposition could be revealed as true, because a permanent settlement of this place was rather unlikely during the winter period.

Did you know the Dolomites were once coral atolls? In prehistoric times, the Val Gardena was submerged beneath a tropical sea: the Sella massif and the Sassolungo were coral atolls, and the Bullaccia (Puflatsch) was an underwater volcano.

To explore the geological roots of Val Gardena, a visit to the Museum Gherdëina is a must. Here, you can view the fossilised skeleton of an ichthyosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile discovered in 1968 on the Seceda summit. This impressive creature, over 240 million years old and resembling a whale, reminds us that this alpine landscape was once a coral seabed. The Seceda is especially remarkable for its geological layers, which reveal the history of how this region was formed. It is now considered a natural monument of exceptional scientific value.

The Museum Gherdëina takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the evolution of the valley, beginning millions of years ago. It offers a deep dive into geology, palaeontology, flora and fauna, archaeology, and art history. In addition to fossils and the ichthyosaur, visitors can discover ancient tools and expressions of traditional beliefs, such as the impressive Lenten veil.

Imagine standing eye to eye with a ten-metre-long ichthyosaur, armed with sharp teeth. Although the marine reptile Cymbospondylus lived 241 million years ago, such an encounter is now possible – thanks to virtual reality and a brand-new attraction at the Museum Gherdëina. This immersive VR experience is based on fossilised bones discovered in 1968 on Secëda, among the oldest ichthyosaur remains ever found worldwide. Scientists used them to create a scientifically accurate reconstruction – not only of the ichthyosaur itself, but also of its original habitat: the Tethys Ocean, which it ruled for almost 100 million years.

The Cymbospondylus, half fish and half lizard, was a truly impressive creature. Since 2021, visitors to the Museum Gherdëina in Ortisei can get up close to it using cutting-edge virtual reality. A video by young palaeontologist Nicola Castelnuovo reveals the sheer size of this marine giant that once dominated prehistoric seas.

Secëda is not only a breathtaking mountain in Val Gardena offering panoramic views over the Dolomites, but also a site of unique geological importance on a global scale. The exceptional fossils found in the geological formations of Secëda – including the charred remains of the conifer Ortiseia, the prehistoric fish Archaeolepidotus, and the skeletal remains of the giant ichthyosaur Cymbospondylus – are powerful witnesses to the Earth’s ancient history and continue to attract geologists and researchers from around the world.

In cooperation with palaeontologist Andrea Tintori from the University of Milan, the Museum Gherdëina has developed a stratigraphic panel that explains the sequence of rock layers and fossil discoveries at Secëda. The panel is now on display at the Furnes mid-station, at the foot of Secëda, where hikers and visitors can explore the geological wonders of the Dolomites.

Where do Val Gardena’s cultural treasures originate? Which historic buildings shape the region, and what fascinating stories lie behind them? Find the answers now in the new Geoportal by the Museum Gherdëina! This interactive online platform makes Val Gardena’s cultural heritage digitally accessible. You’ll find detailed information about monuments, artworks, and historical buildings, including their exact location on the map – right in your surroundings.

Visit the Geoportal of the Museum Gherdëina today and start your virtual journey through the history and culture of Val Gardena!

The roots of traditional woodcarving in Val Gardena go far back in time: as early as around 1600, families began making everyday objects, religious figures, and wooden toys during the winter months, which they then sold at markets in the spring. By the late 18th century, this home-based activity had developed into a craft that became highly significant for the local economy. Furthermore, new art and vocational schools supported the emergence of a modern industry. The Val Gardena carvers discovered new working techniques and laid the foundation for a versatile and innovative artistic craft, which they mastered with great skill. Today, more than 200 artists and sculptors work in the valley, many of whom exhibit their works in major galleries and art museums around the world.

This brings us back to the valley, where the Museum Gherdëina, together with UNIKA (the Val Gardena artists' association), once again showcases the creativity and artistic talent of its people. The museum displays unique works of sculpture and painting, as well as the complete collection of Val Gardena toys, which were exported all over the world in the 19th century. Jointed dolls and rocking horses, figures shaped as acrobats and dancers, gymnasts and coachmen await visitors to be brought back to life.