Cultural treasures of South Tyrol’s Eggental valley

Faith

Oh Lord, let the weather warning ring out! At the gates to the Dolomites, between green hills and impregnable rock massifs, mighty storms frequently arose from one moment to the next and precious livestock could be swept away by torrential rains. Perhaps it was the harsh living conditions in the mountains that taught people piety: it is at any rate evidenced by the area’s numerous churches and chapels.  Every village, every hamlet fea-tures one or more of these richly adorned treasuries of sacred culture, whose walls, altars and frescoes date from the Romanesque period up to the present day.

Myths

A grain of truth and considerable imagination make up the sagas of which there are so many in the Dolomite regions. The old would teach the young the meaning of fear on icy winter evenings: as they huddled around the oven, tales of witches and kings were told by flickering candlelight - light and shadow played on the imagination, fertile ground for these figures from the rich world of legends. The Dolomite legends constitute an eerie yet beautiful part of the cultural heritage of the Alps.

Stars

Pure air and clear skies represent the best conditions for stargazing. The hamlet of San Valentino in Campo has made a name for itself as South Tyrol’s star village. Here, in picturesque surroundings, is one of the world’s most modern planetariums, while the planetary trail, the solar ob-servatory and the Max Valier observatory are all well worth a visit!

History

The museums of the Eggental lead us into the past of this Dolomite valley and its people: life on the farm and in castles, handicrafts and piety are all brought to life for visitors in wood-panelled rooms, workrooms or through sacred treasures and statues..