The landmark of Ladinia, the mighty Ćiastel de Tor above San Martino, is the seat of the Ladin Museum
Image gallery: San Martino
San Martino is simply the name of the main village of San Martino in Badia, a destination for active holidaymakers who increasingly appreciate the beauty of the first rays of sunshine in spring and the colours in autumn. It is the seasons a little away from the most popular ones, and therefore quieter and more suitable for pleasure-seekers. The bank, grocery shop and inn form the immediate village centre, next to which stands the church, which is - of course - dedicated to St. Martin. Inside are several statues by Dominikus Moling, a local sculptor of the Baroque period.
The landmark of Ladinia towers above the village: It is Ćiastel de Tor or Badia Castle, a castle and museum that is well worth a visit. The history of the Dolomite Ladins, their legends and archaeology are the topics of the permanent exhibition at the Museum Ladin, which has also another seat: the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus a few kilometres away, dedicated to the Ladin cave bear. The Ladin Cultural Institute "Micurà de Rü" is also located in San Martino, right next to the parish church, an institution for the promotion and preservation of the Ladin language.
San Martino is surrounded by the meadows and forests of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, an impressive Dolomite backdrop full of unforgettable impressions. In winter, a white blanket usually covers the village and silence descends over the valley. Then visitors are drawn to cross-country skiing on the tracks at the Passo delle Erbe, to the lofty peaks of Mt. Cima Dodici and others, which can be reached in a beautiful ski tour, or to the pistes in the Plan de Corones Skiing Area.
