Museum Ladin Ćiastel de Tor

The consciousness of the own language is decisive for the identity of the Dolomite Ladin speaking population in the Val Badia and Val Gardena valleys (South Tyrol), in the Val di Fassa valley (Trentino) and at Livinallongo and Ampezzo (Belluno). The language is not only a mean of self-assertion towards the outerworld, but also a connection between the five Ladin valleys - still today the original Ladin language, a Romance dialect, is spoken. The Museum Ladin Ćiastel de Tor is dedicated to this particular piece of the culture and language of South Tyrol.

In 2001 the museum was inaugurated in Badia Castle (Ćiastel de Tor), a castle dating back to 1230 AD. The museum provides an insight into history, culture, legends and craftwork of the Ladin population. The focus is set on the Ladin language and tradition, but also archaeological findings of the Stone Age are exhibited. Furthermore you can admire exhibits of geology, tourism and economy as well as local craftsmanship. With the opening of a new section on literature and one on the school in the Ladin valleys, it has celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021.

The Museum Ladin is one of the 11 Provincial Museums of South Tyrol, an indipendent entity, and features also a branch: the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in San Cassiano which is completely dedicated to the cave bear of the Conturines. And how to reach it? From San Martino in Badia, approx. 20 km from Brunico, a small road leads up to the castle. The museum offers a free parking space as well as a small parking garage, the bus stop is a 5-minute walk away.