Madonna di Senales

Madonna di Senales (1,500 m asl), is the main village as well as the largest locality of the valley.

In the middle of the valley, surrounded by vast meadows and old farms, there is the largest village of Val Senales, which is Madonna di Senales. Its name derives from a devotional picture: according to legends, the veneration of a little madonna statue in this place dates back to 1304. Today, however, it has become a very popular pilgrimage site.
The majestic church of the village demonstrates that this village has been a very important passageway in Middle Ages. In fact, the shortest way from the north to Val Senales passes via the Ötztal valley and along this route also Ötzi, the Ice Man has been found, not far from Madonna di Senales.

No wonder that exactly at this place there is also the popular leisure time attraction Archeopark adventure museum, which reveals interesting information about the live of the Iceman, also from a scientifical point of view. In the outdoor area visitors can see faithful reproductions of huts from the stone age. Really worth seeing!
Also the nature park Gruppo di Tessa is ideal for walking and exploring the surroundings. This is where adults and children can retrace the Iceman, admire local flora and fauna and enjoy the fabulous view on the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In cold winter months the glacial skiing area of Val Senales attracts sports fans from all over.