Extract from the history of S. Valentino
About 7,000 years ago, at the end of the Ice Age, the formation of the imposing Malser Haide scree to the south of S. Valentino began, and the mouth of the Adige River was blocked. It is suspected that a large lake was formed. Gradually, through further screes and alluvial deposits, the large lake was divided into three smaller lakes: the Muta Lake, the Graun Lake and the Resia Lake.

The wooded valley bottom was initially only inhabited by wolfs, bears and wild animals. In 15 B.C., the Romans conquered the land of the Rhaetians. The Venostes tribe, our ancestors, were mentioned amongst the subdued Rhaetian tribes. The Romans built the Via Claudia Augustae route, which led through the Venosta Valley and over the Resia Pass.

It is certain, that Christianity had reached our Valley during Roman times. With the beginning of the crusades in the 12th Century, more and more pilgrims crossed the then dreaded Resia Pass. Due to this fact, Ulrich Primele from Burgusio decided to establish a hospice for the rescue and intake of travellers in what is today’s S. Valentino. From the Middle Age up to this day, the Resia Pass has remained a comfortable connection between Germany and Italy.