La Valle: Silence, tradition, and authentic beauty
La Valle – La Val in Ladin – is a small jewel nestled in the heart of Alta Badia, at an altitude of 1324 meters. It is the most compact and peaceful village of the Ladin valley, a place where time seems to slow down and nature is the absolute protagonist. Here, craftsmanship, agriculture, and tradition blend with deep spirituality and a postcard-perfect landscape.
Untouched nature at the foot of the Sasso Croce
Located at the foot of the Sasso Croce and just a short distance from the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, La Valle is the perfect base for excursions into the protected nature of the Prati dell’Armentara, a flower-filled expanse with over 190 species of plants. Among the most typical attractions are the “Les Viles”, the ancient Ladin rural settlements, still today a symbol of farming architecture in harmony with the environment.
Art and alpine spirituality treasures
Despite its small size, La Valle holds a surprising artistic and spiritual heritage. Some of the most significant places include:
- The cemetery chapel, one of the oldest buildings in the valley.
- The baroque oratory, which houses beautiful 18th-century frescoes.
- The parish church, adorned with a highly valuable artistic altar.
Santa Barbara: A little church among the clouds
Just a 30-minute walk from the center, a short stroll leads to the Santa Barbara Chapel, a gothic gem from 1491 perched on a hill overlooking La Valle. Built by miners from Valparola who worked on the Monte Pore, the church is an intimate and evocative place. The outer wall depicts the Crucifixion in the open countryside with the figures of Mary and John.
