Conclusions

The economic situation of Val Gardena takes a special role when compared to the other Dolomite valleys. Although the valleys resemble one another in terms of latitude, climatic conditions and resources, the secondary woodworking cottage industry has developed only in Val Gardena and has shaped the entire valley. Although it was not able to completely replace the economic sector of mountain agriculture, it was an important basis of life for the population, who could not live from the slender profit of the agriculture alone. The higher population growth in Val Gardena as compared to the other valleys during the 19th century, proofs the great importance of the wooden handcraft for the economic and social development of the valley. Nevertheless, the people of Val Gardena had to accept tough living conditions as they were forced to carry out two activities at the same time, agriculture and cottage industry. They worked up to 12 hours a day: not in order to become rich, but simply to survive.
Nowadays, the products of Val Gardena, whose quality is guaranteed by a seal of approval, are manufactured with great creativity, high precision and sophisticated technique. And it is exactly because of these characteristics that the artisans of Val Gardena are appreciated and known all over the world.

Bergland » Conclusions