Vallunga

Vallunga is a glacial valley near Selva di Val Gardena, a long corridor of meadow and forest enclosed by Dolomite walls within Puez-Odle Nature Park and the UNESCO-listed Dolomites.

Why it matters

The valley's protected landscape combines a glacial landform with habitats and cultural traces. A medieval castle ruin stands near its entrance, while the chapel of San Silvestro and a memorial to climber Emilio Comici reflect different layers of local history.

What to notice

The meadow floor forms a straight ribbon between the Puez and Odle groups, with the Stevia massif closing the view. The ruin of Wolkenstein Castle occupies a rock face near the valley mouth. The chapel of San Silvestro contains frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus, uncovered during restoration in 1993. A bronze memorial marks the place associated with Comici, who died on the Parei de Ciampac wall in 1940.

Context and history

Vallunga was carved by glacial movement between the Puez and Odle groups. The counts of Wolkenstein built a castle near the valley entrance, and the chapel of San Silvestro preserves a historic fresco cycle. Twentieth-century mountaineering history is also present in the memorial to Emilio Comici. The valley lies within Puez-Odle Nature Park and the Dolomites World Heritage property.