Santa Cristina Gherdëina is a Ladin comune (municipality) and a village in Val Gardena in the South Tyrol of northern Italy. It is located about 30 km east of Bolzano. Its Saslong ski run is home of the Super-G and Downhill for men races in FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.

Geography

As of 31 December 2010, it had a population of 1,900 and an area of 31.82 km2. The municipality of Santa Cristina borders the following municipalities: Campitello di Fassa, Kastelruth, Villnöß, Urtijëi, San Martin de Tor and Sëlva.

History

Coat of arms

The escutcheon is argent and gules party per fess: the upper part is represented a deer. It is the family Coat of Arms of Primus von Dosses, which has since 1636, near the church of St. Cristina, organized a refectory for the poor. The emblem was adopted in 1969.

Society

Linguistic distribution

According to the 2011 census, 91.40% of the population speak Ladin, 4.41% Italian and 4.19% German as first language.

Demographic evolution

Culture and traditions

Santa Cristina cultural and community life include a town band, active since 1856, and a choir that has been performing since 1972. Various musical associations contribute to the preservation of folk music, playing a role in the cultural landscape of Santa Cristina. They organize many festivals throughout the year, bringing together locals and visitors for celebrations.

Notable people