Val Gardena was formerly part of a territory called "Ladinia", and the traces of its two thousand year old history are still visible today. "Ladin" is a Rhaeto-Roman language that is still spoken in the four Ladinian valleys of the Dolomites. The preservation of traditions and cultural patrimony and especially of the Ladin language are very important for the people of Val Gardena. The “Museum Gherdeina” is located right in the centre of Ortisei and exhibits valuable collections related to the cultural and natural history of Val Gardena. There you will also find a unique collection of ancient wooden toys from around the area. More info at www.museumgherdeina.it.
The most famous art in Val Gardenais woodcarving. At “Galaria UNIKA” (www.unika.org) sculptors exhibit their wonderful works of art and at “ART 52” (www.art52.it ) – in the centre of Ortisei – you can admire hand-carved sculptures by the best artists of Val Gardena.