The Dolomite mountains lie in the eastern section of the northern Italian Alps. The range has several impressive peaks, 18 of which are over 10,000 feet. The highest point is the Marmolada Mountain at 10,964 feet. The range and its characteristic rock take their name from the 18th-century French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, who made the first scientific study of the region and its geology. The mountains are formed of light-colored dolomitic limestone, which erosion has carved into grotesque shapes. The resulting landforms include jagged, saw-edged ridges, rocky pinnacles, screes of limestone debris, deep gorges, and numerous steep rock faces at relatively low levels. The range has 41 glaciers. This beautiful mountain range of the Southern Alps was declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2009.
Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German and Urtijëi in Ladin) the town is most famous for its woodcarving. Artfully decorated, carved wooden sculptures can be seen throughout the village. The Dolomites Val Gardena woodcarving craftsmanship continues from the 17th century to this very day, and people worldwide come for their nativity scenes and other carved items.
The pedestrian area in Ortisei connects the chapel of Saint Ulrich to the Antonius church and is described as the most beautiful shopping street in the Dolomites.
The Ortisei Parish Church dates to the 18th century. The church is dedicated to the Epiphany (January 6) and to Saint Ulrich (July 4). The bulbous Baroque spire makes it stand out. Numerous paintings, ceiling frescos and figures decorate the inside of the church, including the giant St. Ulrich statue by Ludwig Moroder dl Mëune, the altar painting “Adoration of the Magi” by Josef Moroder-Lusenberg, and the painting depicting St. Elizabeth and the beggar by Rudolf Moroder-Lenert The stalls, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, are unique.
On the other side of the pedestrian area is charming St. Anthony’s Church. The history of St. Anthony’s Chapel dates to 1599 when the foundation stone for a simple church was laid on the site where Wendelstein Castle once stood. Originally consecrated to St. Anthony of Padua, the chapel was built by the Capuchin monks who established their order church and monastery in Bolzano.
St. Anthony’s Chapel is renowned for its unadorned style and roof turret, which adds to its charm. The interior of the chapel is equally captivating, featuring a baroque main altar adorned with an altarpiece painted by Felice Brusasorci from Verona in 1600. The simplicity of the design allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and the serene atmosphere within the chapel.
In a few minutes, from the center of Ortisei a cable car will take you to the Alpe di Siusi mountain plateau, the sunniest part of the Dolomites. The Alpe di Siusi is the largest high alpine pasture at an altitude of 6,560 ft. and one of the most famous ski and excursion areas of Europe. Here you will find breath-taking mountain scenery consisting of the Gruppo del Sella, Gruppo del Sassolungo, Catinaccio, and the Sciliar surrounding the Alpe di Siusi. Here we had lunch and explored this beautiful plateau.
