Santa Croce: Faith, History, and Nature at the Foot of Mount La Crusc

In Alta Badia, there is a place where time slows down and the spirit is renewed: the Santuario di Santa Croce (Sanctuary of the Holy Cross), set at an altitude of 2,045 meters at the foot of the majestic Mount La Crusc. Surrounded by the wonders of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, this place of worship—immersed in pristine nature—has for centuries been a destination for pilgrims and seekers of inner peace.

Between Spirituality and Scenic Beauty

Santa Croce can be reached on foot or by chairlift, starting from San Leonardo or other villages in Alta Badia. Yet it is precisely this immersion in nature—through forests, panoramic trails, and a silence filled with energy—that makes the arrival at the sanctuary a truly unique experience. The sweeping view that opens up once you reach the top rewards every step.

From Pagan Origins to a Christian Sanctuary

The site where the religious complex now stands has ancient origins: it was once a place of pagan worship. In 1010, a group of monks built a small Christian chapel here. The first official consecration took place only in 1484, performed by Bishop Konrad of Brixen. In the mid-17th century, the main church, the bell tower, and, in 1718, a hospice for pilgrims were added.

However, the sanctuary’s history was not always peaceful. In 1786, under the reforms of Emperor Joseph II, the church was closed and deconsecrated. For years it fell into disrepair, until—thanks to the perseverance of the locals and the devotion of pilgrims—it was reopened and restored in 1840.

Since then, the sacred image of Christ, previously kept in the church of San Leonardo, has returned to Santa Croce, where it is still venerated today.

A Refuge for the Soul and the Body

Today the complex also includes an alpine refuge, where visitors can stop for a traditional meal in the warm wooden “stuben.” Here, the sacristan and his wife prepare Ladin and South Tyrolean specialties, to be enjoyed slowly while admiring the Dolomites.

Santa Croce is far more than a sanctuary—it is a meeting point of faith, Ladin culture, and nature, a place that speaks to the heart and invites reflection. Even those without religious motivations are moved by the spirituality that pervades the site, the simplicity of its architecture, and the magic of the surrounding landscape.