Wood carving has a long tradition in Val Gardena. Around the year 1600 some families, during winter time, started carving tools, religious figures and children’s toys in their homes. In the late 18th century, the carving trade became a major branch of the economy. Art schools and vocational colleges were set up, and a modern industry took shape.

The Val Gardena wood carvers introduced new procedures and created an innovative and versatile arts and crafts industry, with levels of workmanship second to none. It is therefore not surprising that one of Val Gardena’s visitor attractions is the world’s largest hand-carved manger in S. Cristina.

If you would like to watch our artists at work there are various demonstrations, or visit our traditional farmers’ and crafts market on 30 August in S. Cristina‘s pedestrian precinct, or how about the unique Val Gardena sculpture fair, UNIKA, between 1 and 4 September 2016?

More information at www.unika.it Judith Sotriffer, a young artist from Ortisei, has a workshop where she carves replicas of traditional wooden toys from the region. The originals, from the 17th century, are on display at the local history museum: www.museumgherdeina.it

INFO: Val Gardena