The Gardena Valley lies in the heart of the Dolomites and is an area full of contrasts, rich in colours and natural beauty. Selva Gardena, S. Cristina and Ortisei are the main localities in the valley. In this area many traces of ancient history are visible, from the times when this valley was called Ladinia. “Ladino” is an ancient Rhaeto Romanic language that is still spoken fluently in the four “ladine” valleys of the Dolomites.