The Story of DOLFI
The Comploi Family and the Art of Wood
135 years of passion, tradition and innovation in wood craftsmanship in Val Gardena, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites
Our Mission
DOLFI is a successful brand rooted in the traditions of a land full of emotion: Val Gardena, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. We are a family that respects the traditions and values that gave rise to this century-old brand.
Made in Italy since 1892
Every creation reflects a love of detail and craftsmanship passed down through generations. We honour the traditions acquired over the years, creating religious and secular sculptures, gifts, furnishings and accessories that tell the story of our family and Val Gardena.
The Comploi Family Story
The Origins: Franz Comploi
The story begins in the first half of the nineteenth century, when Franz Comploi, Adolf’s grandfather, becomes a sculptor in Val Gardena. He makes wooden statues and carries them on his shoulders into neighbouring valleys, returning home only when the last one has been sold, at the beginning of winter. A pioneer who laid the foundations of a century-old tradition.
Adolf ‘Dolfi’ Comploi Is Born
Adolf Comploi, known as ‘Dolfi’, is born in 1912 during Val Gardena’s economic expansion. He becomes an expert in artistic woodworking, specialising in religious altars and earning recognition throughout the region. He will give his name to the brand we know today.
Official Registration
At just twenty, Dolfi registers his business with the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce, formalising an enterprise that expands into northern Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. With his brother Franco, he produces religious sculptures for parishes, convents and the first souvenir shops.
The Ortisei Factory
After the birth of his son Willi, Dolfi purchases a large plot on Via Roma in Ortisei and builds a production plant with warehouses and sales premises, laying the foundations of the industrial enterprise we know today.
The Pantograph Revolution
The first pantograph machines are introduced, revolutionising religious sculpture production. The company reaches a turnover of 32,000 lire and provides work for over 600 families in Val Gardena, becoming one of the valley’s main economic centres.
The Willi Comploi Era
Willi Comploi joins the company at eighteen and transforms the family business into an international enterprise. By 1970, Dolfi is present in over sixty countries. In 1979 he takes charge and modernises operations: 36 new pantographs, 66 employees and three-shift production for a process requiring over 150 steps.
The New Generation: Monica and Matteo
Monica and Matteo Comploi take over the company, still supported today by their parents Willi and Annamaria. They bring fresh energy to the century-old brand, expanding the catalogue with home gifts and the Dolfi Casa line of furniture and accessories.
Dolfiland Is Born
Matteo Comploi opens the new 45,000-square-metre headquarters, housing modern production, logistics and commercial facilities. Dolfiland is established as a showroom open to the public, welcoming over 60,000 visitors a year from around the world.
Innovation and Digital Tradition
Dolfi embraces digital innovation while preserving its craftsmanship. The brand develops its e-commerce and digital marketing, bringing Val Gardena’s wood art to the world through new channels while remaining faithful to the family values that have guided every creation since 1892.
Our Values
A Century-Old Tradition
Since 1892, we have passed down our woodworking expertise in Val Gardena from generation to generation, preserving ancient techniques and unique artisanal knowledge.
Authentic Craftsmanship
DOLFI creations are made in our Dolfiland factory in Ortisei, Val Gardena, using techniques that vary according to the product. The production stages and finishes vary by model: finishing, painting, decoration and gilding are carried out where specified.
Made in Italy Excellence
Proudly made in Val Gardena, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. A region synonymous with excellence in wood craftsmanship for centuries.
Quality Materials
We use only carefully selected fine woods, including Alpine stone pine and linden, to ensure durability, beauty and lasting strength.
Respectful Innovation
We combine ancestral techniques with modern design and advanced technologies such as pantographs to create unique works that respect tradition and embrace the future.
Family Passion
Our love of wood and art guides everything we do and create. Three generations of the Comploi family have devoted their lives to this art, passing on passion and dedication.
Continue Our Story
Become part of the Dolfi tradition. Every piece you choose carries a story that began in 1892, the Comploi family’s passion for craftsmanship and the soul of Val Gardena. From religious sculptures to home furnishings, each creation is a piece of history entering your home.