San Martino in Badia: Cultural Heart of the Val Badia
San Martino in Badia (San Martin de Tor in Ladin) is one of the most authentic and fascinating municipalities of the Val Badia. It covers an area of 76 km² and includes the charming hamlets of Piccolino, Longiarù, and Antermoia, located between 1,115 and 1,515 meters above sea level. Nestled among the majestic peaks of the Dolomites and just steps from the Puez-Odle Nature Park, San Martino is the meeting point of nature, culture, and tradition.
In the center of the village, at 1,127 m a.s.l., stands the Ladin Museum Ciastel de Tor, housed in a picturesque medieval castle, along with the cultural institute Micurà de Rü — both key institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting the Ladin language and identity. Thanks to the Piculin cable car, the municipality is connected to the Plan de Corones ski area and, via ski bus, to the Alta Badia region.
The Hamlets: Nature, Rural Architecture, and History
Piccolino (1,118 m a.s.l.) lies on the right side of the valley, nestled between Mount Putia and the Sasso della Croce. This picturesque village features fine historical buildings, such as the Casa del Maier (1650), home to blacksmith artisans, and the Chapel of St. Anthony, known for its Renaissance altars. Above the church stands the curious Ćiastel Freieck, once an inn and later a retirement home.
Longiarù (1,398 meters) is one of the most enchanting places in the entire valley. Surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, it captivates visitors with its rural and genuine spirit. Here you can find the historic Viles, traditional Ladin farming settlements, and the famous Valley of the Mills, an open-air museum featuring around thirty watermills still open to visitors.
Antermoia, the highest hamlet (1,515 m a.s.l.), is an ideal destination for hikers and motorcyclists thanks to its proximity to the Passo delle Erbe. In winter, it serves as a starting point for cross-country skiing and tobogganing trails. Hidden in a narrow wooded valley are the Valdander Baths, a spa resort founded in 1820 but known since ancient times for the healing properties of its waters.
An Authentic Corner
San Martino in Badia is much more than an alpine destination: it’s a journey into the heart of Ladin culture — a place of history, nature, and ancient traditions that still shape daily life today. Every hamlet tells a different story, to be experienced slowly, respectfully, and with wonder.
