Santa Cristina Valgardena is a town located in the Val Gardena valley in the autonomous province of South Tyrol in northern Italy, close to the border with Austria and Switzerland.

Its name derives from Saint Christina, a martyr from Bolsena, whose relics were brought to Val Gardena in 1323.

The town is surrounded by the Dolomites, a mountain range declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 for its outstanding natural beauty and geological significance.

Santa Cristina Valgardena has a population of about 1,900 inhabitants, who are predominantly German-speaking and follow the Roman Catholic faith.

The town's economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and traditional crafts, such as woodcarving and embroidery.

Notable landmarks include the Santa Cristina Parish Church, with its 15th-century frescoes, and the Monte Pana, a mountain pass offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

The town celebrates its patron saint's day, known as "Oltl", on July 24th, with processions, traditional costumes, and local food specialties.

Santa Cristina Valgardena has a long history of winter sports and is home to several ski resorts, including the Val Gardena Ronda, a challenging ski circuit that connects the town with the neighboring villages of Selva and Ortisei.

The town was part of the County of Tyrol, belonging to the Holy Roman Empire until 1805, when it became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

In 1815, it was incorporated into the Austrian Empire, becoming part of the autonomous province of Tyrol.

After World War I, South Tyrol, including Santa Cristina Valgardena, was ceded to Italy.

The town played a significant role in the development of the local tourism industry and the promotion of the Ladin culture, recognized as a linguistic and cultural minority in Italy.

Santa Cristina Valgardena has been recognized for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism, earning the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in 2016.

A notable local tradition is the "Törggelen", a culinary experience involving a convivial dinner with local food and wine, typically held during the autumn season.