Wood carving

A special art in Val Gardena dating back to the 17th century

Wood carving in Val Gardena boasts a rich tradition and dates back to the beginnings of the 17th century. Unless 100 years ago, Val Gardena was an isolated high-altitude valley, which was fairly difficult to access. And as the winter seasons were long and cold, the local people had to look for a useful and reasonable activity. So they dedicated themselves to the art of wood carving and in summer the sold what they had carefully produced during the long wintertime. Out of necessity a refined art handicraft had developed.

Today, Val Gardena wood carvings are known far beyond the regional borders and the Val Gardena Museum features some unique examples of them. The wood carvings, by the way, are mostly made of Swiss stone pine and boast, moreover, a special trademark.