Still today, the witches dance at full moon on the legendary Passo delle Erbe, the Dolomite pass high above Antermoia
Image gallery: Antermoia
At the foot of the striking northern walls of Mt. Sass de Putia is the highest village in the municipality of San Martino in Badia, Antermoia (Untermoi). Between the houses and the parish church of St. Anthony in the centre there are several parking possibilities, because Antermoia attracts mountain lovers and hikers who enjoy the Puez-Odle Nature Park here. The most experienced of them climb the mighty Sasso Putia from the Passo delle Erbe above Antermoia.
This mountain pass not only connects the Valle di Antermoia with Luson in the Valle Isarco valley, but is also a legendary place full of magic and dark stories. The Witches' Dance in the alpine meadows every year on the July full moon is an event that leaves a lasting impression. Large fires burn and live music accompanies the witches during their dances: In earlier times, they were held responsible for misfortunes on the mountain, livestock losses and bad storms.
In winter, you will find idyllic cross-country ski tracks here against the backdrop of Mt. Sass de Putia. The longest of them, the panoramic Passo delle Erbe Track, stretches over 16 km from the Russis Bridge at the end of the Valle di Eores valley to the Passo delle Erbe. By the way: The water of Antermoia, was said to have healing powers. The spring water of Bagni Valdander, whose name comes from the Val d'Anter (cave valley), is still used today for bathing and drinking cures.
