THE DOLOMITES

 

Due to their beauty, unique landscapes and geological characteristics, the Dolomites have been included in the list of natural assets of "UNESCO  World Heritage Sites”. The Dolomites are a mountain range in the Eastern Alps. They feature a variety of stunning landscapes and they extend over three regions which have different cultural roots and traditions. The Dolomites are an example of exceptional natural beauty and they are regarded as the most beautiful mountains in the world.

 

 

 

 

About The Dolomites

In 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most prestigious titles in the world, which confirms their universal geological value and outstanding natural beauty. They are a mountain area in the Eastern Alps that extends over three regions: Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia. They are regarded as the most beautiful mountains in the world because of their spectacular vertical walls, peaks that rise to almost 3,500 metres above sea level, deep valleys, a unique pale colour and distinctive sculptural forms. The highest point is the Marmolada which is 3,342 metres high. Val Gardena, the heart of Ladin culture, will fascinate you with its mountains. In Ortisei, the capital of Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, you will be enchanted by the Church of San Giacomo, the oldest place of worship in the whole valley. Corvara is situated in the heart of the Dolomites, in Val Badia, at the foot of the Sassongher massif, which is famous for its nature trails.  Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, is a skiers’ paradise which has a wonderful setting. Sappada, in Friuli, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its typical wooden houses. We will take you to discover small lakes, such as Lake Carezza, surrounded by fir trees and pale rocks, or Lake Braies, at the foot of the wall of Croda del Becco. Monte Civetta is one of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. All while, the famous Tre Cime of Lavaredo offers a majestic and unparalleled landscape. In the spectacular Dolomites, there are  450 ski lift systems, 1.200 kilometers of snowy slopes and twelve different ski areas where you can ski with a single convenient ski pass. Cadore is a geographical region that spreads over two regions: Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The territory of Cadore includes the artificial basin created by the dam that blocks river Piave, the source of river Piave and the town of Termine di Cadore.
Among the most symbolic places of the Ampezzo Dolomites there are the Tofane, three majestic peaks that are over 3000 meters high. You will also be able to admire important and famous natural parks, such as the Belluno Dolomites National Park, a true paradise for those who love hiking, the Ampezzo Dolomites Nature Park.

Things to do

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After they were granted the prestigious title, the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation was created  with the aim to safeguard and protect these unique places from excessive human exploitation. UNESCO has also recognized the importance of other areas in Trentino, such as the Ledrensi Alps and the Judicaria area, which have been granted the status of Biosphere Reserves.

In addition to the natural beauty of this area, its history and culture will fascinate you. You will admire the most beautiful Castles in these mountains. One of the oldest and most original castles in Trentino is Avio Castle (Castello di Avio). It belonged almost uninterruptedly to the noble Castelbarco family, who, during the Middle Ages, transformed the fortress into a small feudal court which became a destination for artists and intellectuals. You will walk in some spectacular valleys, such as Val di Non, Val di Fassa ,Val di Fiemme, Val Gardena and Alta Badia, from where you will enjoy striking views that will remain etched in your memory.There are also beautiful lakes in the Dolomites. Lake Misurina, the largest and most popular lake in Cadore, is an ideal place for excursions in winter thanks to the mild temperatures of the area. Lake Molveno, an alpine lake of natural origin, has been regarded as the most beautiful and cleanest lake in Italy for many years. You will enjoy thermal experiences at Terme of Comano, the perfect place for a wellness break, or Pozza di Fassa, which has two spas that use the sulfurous water of Alloch for wellness treatments in the heart of the Dolomites. The avant-garde QC Terme Dolomiti offers chromotherapy treatments in sensory pools, Kneipp paths, cascades, bio-saunas, and the unique Perlage Sauna, which is inspired by the visual and olfactory experience of a wine cellar.

In the spectacular Dolomites there are  450 ski lifts systems, 1,200 kilometers of snowy slopes and twelve different ski areas where you can ski with a single convenient ski pass. The Dolomiti Superski area  is among the largest and most exciting in the world.

Cortina is not only snow in all its nuances but also well-being, culture, tradition and charm. You can experience snowshoeing in the Cortina area. Along the paths you will be surrounded by woods and you will have wonderful mountains as a backdrop, as is the case in every place in the Ampezzo basin.You can enjoy ice-skating in the Winter Olimpic ice stadium in Cortina, which is open in winter as well as in summer. Horseback riding is another unforgettable experience you can have in the amazing valleys and in the woods.Let yourself be seduced by the unmistakable flavors of mountain cuisine while having a meal in suspended over the valleys restaurants, with breathtaking views of the landscape.Traditional cuisine of the Dolomites consists of  very simple dishes made with local ingredients, as is typical of  all the mountainous areas in Italy. Let yourself be seduced by the unmistakable flavors of mountain cuisine while having a meal in restaurants with breathtaking views of the landscape.You will discover splendid cellars, inside castles and ancient monasteries, and new tasting rooms with a panoramic view of valleys covered with vineyards, which are among those located in the highest areas in Italy. You will visit both small family-run wineries, where you will find an an intimate atmosphere, and large entrepreneurial businesses. During the visits, you will notice that they are united by their passion for their territory.

Cities and Villages to Visit

  • Belluno is an elegant city situated at the foot of the most beautiful Dolomite mountains in Veneto. It combines an alpine atmosphere with an elegant architecture that has Venetian vibes. Its name is of Celtic origin and it means "bright city. Belluno is full of beautiful palaces and historical monuments, such as Palazzo Rosso, seat of the Town Hall; Palazzo dei Rettori, seat of the Prefecture; the Civic Tower and Palazzo Crepadona, seat of the civic library. The Cathedral of Belluno, which dates back to the second half of the fifteenth century, was built on the remains of an early Christian church that dated back to the eleventh century. The Archaeological Museum, built in 1664, has a collection of artefacts from the Belluno area that belong to the period that goes from the Paleolithic to the Early Middle Ages.

  • The “Queen of the Dolomites” is a skiing paradise in the wonderful setting of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cortina offers everyone the opportunity to be filled with emotions while taking part in various activities in the winter season, including winter sports which are part of world-class events .

    Sporting events of international significance take place on Cortina’s slope, it will host, among other things, the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. However, Cortina is not just a chic destination: its ski area spreads over seven locations where gentle slopes alternate with adrenaline-pumping descents, thus making it a must-see destination for skiers and snowboarders.

    Cortina is surrounded by high mountains whose landscapes are made unique by the pinkish colors of the rocks both at dawn and sunset. The group of Dolomite mountains of rare beauty that can be admired in Cortina includes: the Antelao, the Sorapiss, the Croda da Lago, the Croda Rossa, the Tofane and the Cristallo. The natural wall of Pomagagon is one of the stunning landscapes of Cortina.

  • Situated at the foot of Mount Civetta, Alleghe is famous for ski mountaineering; the sport is practised on the walls and slopes of Mount Civetta. The top attraction of Alleghe is its characteristic alpine lake with placid emerald green waters on which some of the most evocative peaks of the Dolomites are reflected.

  • It is a characteristic mountain village located at the foot of Passo Pordoi at an altitude of 1602 meters above sea level. It is most famous for the leisure activities it offers during the winter holiday season, but there are also numerous activities to do in this area in the summer.

    The splendid location at the foot of the Marmolada has several ski slopes, modern ski lifts and a snow park where you can do activities which can be enjoyed by all the family. Here it is possible to reach the 3,343 meters of the splendid and majestic Marmolada – the summit of the Dolomites. In this scenic area, you can descend the 12 km of the "Bellunese", the longest and most spectacular slope of Dolomiti Superski; and the famous Sellaronda, the longest ski tour in the Dolomites. Not to be missed is the Museum of the Great War and the characteristic village of Sottoguda (Rocca Pietore), one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

  • Perfect for both a summer holiday and a winter holiday, this charming town lies on a valley where the river Ansiei flows. The town can be easily reached both by car and by public transport. The surrounding mountains are among the most popular in the area. In particular, the “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” stand out. They are three imposing rock obelisks that reach an altitude of three thousand meters above sea level and are part of a breathtaking landscape

  • This pretty town is full of historical and cultural attractions; it is known for being the birthplace of Tiziano Vecellio (Titian), one of the most well-known exponents of Venetian painting. Both the house where the well-known artist was born and the Eyewear Museum, dedicated to the history of one of the main economic activities in the area, are worth a visit. Due to its location, Pieve di Cadore is an ideal gateway to the Belluno Dolomites National Park and it is a good destination for a comfortable holiday in the mountains. The heart of the town is Piazza Tiziano, where there is a statue dedicated to the artist and the Palazzo della Magnifica Comunità, which now houses the Cadore Archaeological Museum (MARC). For nature lovers, there is a path that starts from Pieve di Cadore and leads to the panoramic point named the balcony of Vedorcia. While, for history lovers, there is a path next to Titian’s house that leads to the Fort of Montericco, a castle from Roman times.

  • It is located in the Brenta Dolomites, in the heart of Val Rendena, between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello and Presanella glaciers. Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most famous tourist resorts in Trentino. It has about 800 inhabitants and it is located at an altitude of 1,550 meters in the province of Trento. Madonna di Campiglio, an internationally renowned ski resort which boasts over 60 kilometers of slopes and 20 ski lifts, as well as a large number of hiking trails.

  • A small Alpine town in eastern Trentino, it looks like a pearl set in the heart of the Dolomites and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The locality, which is part of the municipalities of Tonadico and Siror, lies at 1,450 meters above sea level on the slopes of the majestic and imposing “Pale di San Martino” mountains.

    The town has been attracting tourists since the mid-19th century, when the first English and German climbers visited it and were enchanted by the grandeur of its mountains: the Cimon della Pala, the Vezzana, the Rosetta, the Sass Maor.

  • Located in the Adige valley, Trento is a treasure trove of art and culture and it features a happy combination of Italian Renaissance architecture and Central European atmospheres. In Trento there is one of the most beautiful squares in Northern Italy: Piazza Duomo. In this beautiful square there is the Fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses the Diocesan Museum. Trento is a culturally vibrant city thanks to its prestigious University; the Muse, an internationally renowned museum of natural sciences; and the Buonconsiglio Castle. For centuries the castle was the seat of the prince-bishops of Trento and today it houses numerous art and archaeological collections as well as temporary exhibitions. During the First World War it became sadly known because the Italian patriot and irredentist Cesare Battisti was executed in its courtyard.In the city there are many other museums and historical sites to visit.

  • The capital city of South Tyrol has deeply-rooted traditions. It is a true marvel surrounded by the Dolomites and it is well worth a lengthy visit. Bolzano is a charming city with a blend of German and Mediterranean traditions, which are also visible in its architecture. Among its most important monuments there is the Cathedral with its Gothic bell tower, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful monuments in the Region. Piazza Walther is known for hosting Bolzano's Christmas Market, where you can see characteristic wooden houses and you can buy amazing decorations, typical food, and many products made by local craftsmen.

    The Archaeological Museum of Alto-Adige is a must-see. Its finds and documentation of the history of the area from its origins to the early Middle Ages. The main attraction here is Otzi, the mummy of a man who died more than 5,000 years ago, which was found in the Similaun glacier near the Italo-Austrian border.

  • It is the capital of Val Gardena, South Tyrol. The town is rich in history.

    It has a long-established hotel tradition that welcomes tourists and provides them with high-quality services.

    The town is characterized by an urban layout that blends harmoniously into the landscape.

  • It is located in the heart of the Dolomites, at the foot of the Sassongher massif, in Val Badia. Particularly striking is the panorama which can be admired from the Pralongià High Plateau. The Marmolada Glacier, the highest peak of the Dolomites, together with the surrounding peaks and the Austrian Alps are part of breathtaking landscapes.

  • Located in Val di Fassa, in the province of Trento, just a short distance from Val di Fiemme, Moena lies at 1,100 metres above sea level. It is characterised by green pastures dotted with flowers in summer. While in winter, it is surrounded by the Dolomite mountains covered in snow, such as the famous Sella, Catinaccio and Latemar. All year round it welcomes tourists who are enthusiastic about outdoor sports and Ladin traditions.

  • Canazei is a small town located among the important Dolomite groups and surrounded by the peaks of the Marmolada, Gruppo del Sella, and Sassolungo. A renowned tourist destination, in summer and winter it offers a variety of activities. In Canazei you can practise snowboarding, downhill skiing in the beautiful ski areas of Alba Ciampac and Canazei Belvedere, cross-country skiing and snowshoe walks, all surrounded by the Dolomites: you can reach important passes like the Pordoi or the Sella, or you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Marmolada glacier.

    In fact, tourists from all over the world come right here to enjoy the largest skiing district in the Alps: directly linked with the Sellaronda Skitour, Canazei is part of the Dolomiti Superski: four skiing and snowboarding areas within comfortable reach of the town.And if you are not able to ski and don’t feel like walking around on snowshoes, you can still reach the Sass Pordoi by cableway, walking from the centre of the town: just think, it is known as the Terrace of the Dolomites because of its 3,000 metre elevation.

  • In the thirteenth century, Udine was an important town of the young Patria del Friuli. It was a town of culture because it was a market town and because it was located at the crossroads of Latin, Germanic and Slavic cultures. Patria del Friuli was founded in 1077 and it united Friuli and many other territories in a single state body until the fifteenth century. It reached very advanced forms of civil organization. A city with a strong food and wine tradition, Udine is the place where you can find all the typical products of Friuli: hams, cheeses, wines and grappas.

  • It is a city that has a quiet historic center full of historical and artistic beauties. On the outskirts of Pordenone, you can visit some of the most beautiful villages in northern Italy, such as Sacile, on the Livenza river, and Polcenigo, surrounded by green areas. In San Vito al Tagliamento you can admire what remains of the medieval village, such as the moat and the frescoed castle. For a moment of relaxation away from the city, you can head to Lake Barcis. This paradise, located in the Natural Park of the Friulian Dolomites, is the perfect place for those who love sports such as sailing, surfing, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking.

  • It’s located at the heart of a beautiful natural landascape, surrounded By the Dolomites mountain.

    Due to its location, Selva di Val Gardena is a favourite holiday destination were tourism is the mainindustries.As one of the access point of Sellaronda , in the winter is visited by tourists wanting to complete the Sella circuit on their skis.

    Near the village is the Vallunga, which leads into the imposingPueaz Group. The Gardena Pass, the gruppo of Sassolungo and the Sella Group also define the landscape around Selva di Val Gardena.

  • The most highly populated town in Val di Fiemme, which lies at 1018m above sea level. It boasts the highest concentration of different geological formations in the world, all of which can be admired on the Doss Capèl geological trail and in the Museo Geologico delle Dolomiti. In the historic centre you can see frescoes and fountains. A little further away there is a public swimming pool surrounded by green areas. The path that leads to the Sottosassa ravine is stunning with its waterfalls and porphyry walls , where you can go climbing.

  • Andalo is located between the Paganella and Brenta Dolomites, a unique location for summer and winter vacations in the hearth of Trentino mountains. At the lake side of Andalo , a lake which appears and disappears depending on the rainfall, you can also make a pleasant hike. In winter the hiking path turns into an enchanting cross country ski run, illuminated even at night time.

Spectacular valleys, lakes and mountains filled with great history and culture.