S. Stefano, this is how the chief village of Villandro is named. This village can be reached via 10 hairpin bends starting from Chiusa. Located at 880 m asl, it has got about 680 inhabitants. The parish church is consecrated to S. Stefano and is dedicated to S. Lorenzo and Stefano. To attract attention in the interior, it is above all the neo-Gothic decoration in the ceiling vault. By the way, compared to the modest dimensions of the village, the church has a considerable size.

Already a long time back in history, this area had been settled, a fact that is illustrated in the Archeoparc in the centre of S. Stefano. By means of historical findings and excavations that were made accidentally at the Plunacker farm in 1976, visitors get an insight into the 7,000-year long settlement history of the sun-drenched slopes of Villandro, which has apparently always been a very popular place.

Also the residence “Zum Steinbock” makes part of the village history. Hosting a gourmet restaurant, once the historic residence was portrayed by the artist Franz Deferegger, serving as background of the painting “Das letzte Aufgebot”. Worth mentioning is also the Mine of Villandro, which today is a show mine, giving an insight into the history of mining in the area of Villandro, which dates back to the 12th history.

Our tip: an excursion to the Alpe di Villandro, which is ideal for promenading and enjoying nature. What you absolutely don’t have to miss is a stop in one of the mountain huts of the hiking area, providing a great view on the Dolomites.

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