Canazei, municipality in the Autonomous Province of Trento, has a population of 1.907 inhabitants (as of 13.12.2020) and is located at an altitude of 1.465 metres above sea level. It borders with the provinces of Bolzano and Belluno and stands among important Dolomite ranges, such as the Marmolada, the Sella Group and the Sassolungo.
As a very well-known destination for winter tourism (alpine skiing and ski mountaineering) and summer tourism (hiking and mountaineering), it is part of the Sellaronda ski area, connecting the valleys of the Dolomites.
The four small towns that form the municipality – that is, Gries, Canazei, Alba and Penia, feature numerous historical elements: the churches of Madonna della Neve and of St. Floriano, dating back to the sixteenth century; the church devoted to St. Antonio in Alba di Canazei, featuring a towering belltower in perfect gothic style, whose construction probably started in the fifteenth century; and, also, the church dedicated to the Saints Sebastiano and Rocco, consecrated in 1562.
The municipality of Canazei also includes Lorenz and Vera, the two highest permanent settlements in the Fassa Valley, which enjoy a unique view on the majestic Gran Vernel.
While it is undoubtedly true that Canazei owes its popularity to tourism development, the ancient popular traditions of the territory are kept alive here thanks to folk and cultural associations that revive the celebrations and rituals of the past.
