What to see in the Belluno Dolomites, 8 places to explore alone or with your family in the Belluno area for a relaxing holiday in the midst of nature but also of culture with many museums and historical places.
Belluno, in the Veneto Region, is the province of the Dolomites par excellence, the greatest concentration of Italian Dolomites is right here. In the province of Belluno there are the major Dolomite groups, such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Pelmo, the Marmolada or the Tofane. Belluno is the northernmost province of the Veneto region and borders with Austria, with Friuli Venezia Giulia, with the Provinces of Treviso and Vicenza and with the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano.
Le Belluno Dolomites of the Province of Belluno are an area that includes the major Dolomite groups included in the Natural Heritage of Humanity. Here there are two protected parks, the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites and the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, managed by the Comunanza delle Regole d'Ampezzo.
What are the beauties and excellences that can be visited in the Belluno Dolomites? I I have collected 8 among those that I was able to visit with my own eyes. Obviously the beauties are many, not only 8, but let's say that among the many, those that I was able to appreciate in a few days of travel also configure these.
Marmolada, the queen of the Dolomites
With its 3.343 meters, reached with Punta Penìa, the Marmolada is the highest mountain range in the Dolomites and is included in system 2 of the UNESCO Dolomites. The Museum of the Great War located in Punta Serauta, is one of the highest museums in Europe. Here the First World War is told with many historical artifacts. On the slopes of the Marmolada are still visible and can be visited trenches and walkways of what was called la City of Ice: 12 km of tunnels dug into the glacier where about 200 Austro-Hungarian soldiers slept, ate, prayed.
Sottoguda, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
The Municipality of Sottoguda became part of the Most beautiful villages in Italy. To date it is estimated that no more than 100 inhabitants live in the actual village. One of the characteristics of this village, which is located at the foot of the Marmolada are the Serrai di Sottoguda which have been declared a nature reserve and which are currently being reopened after the Vaia storm of 2018. In winter and during the Christmas period in particular, Sottoguda becomes a fairy tale village with its characteristic wooden houses and its decorations that become the ideal place for a family outing and with children.
Andraz Castle and the Andraz Museum
The Andraz Castle was built in 1027, and is the symbol of the Fodom Valley in the municipality of Livinallongo del Col di Lana. The characteristic of this castle is its structure that rises from a rock. After the serious injuries sustained by the First World War, the Andraz Castle was recovered by a important restoration work and here today also stands the Andraz Castle Museum. This castle is one of the castles present in the northern part of the province of Belluno, then there are: the De Zanna Castle and the ruins of the Botestagno Castle in Cortina, the Gardona Tower in Castellavazzo.
Arrow in the sky in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Il the Tofane area in 2020 it has renewed its gondola lift. The hourly capacity has increased from 700 to 1800 people with the addition of considerable comfort, with cabins with 10 seats. The plant practically starts from the center of Cortina. At the top you arrive at the Col Drusciè Refuge, a historic building in Cortina, built in 1936, one of the first alpine refuges created for skiing. Completely renovated in 2003, the Col Drusciè Refuge is an excellent resting and refreshment point, not to mention its wonderful view.
Misurina Lake, the Pearl of the Dolomites
Lake Misurina is a lake of Cadore, wonderful both in summer and in winter when it freezes completely and it is possible walk over its surface. Around Lake Misurina you can admire the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Sorapiss, the Cadini and the Cristallo. Lake Misurina is considered a optimal place for those suffering from respiratory disorders, because here there is a beneficial microclimate and optimal air. In fact, the most important institute in Europe for the treatment of childhood asthma is located there.
Fornesighe, in Val di Zoldo
Fornesighe is a small village with an unmistakable view over the Tamer San Sebastiano group and the Spiz di Mezzodì. The name Fornesighe comes from presence of furnaces and fusine for the processing of metals that were extracted from the mines of the nearby Val Inferna. To visit in the town center the ancient Dairy. The exteriors are completely frescoed, the interiors house an ethnographic museum that exhibits tools for processing milk, carnival masks and an exhibition on the art of inlaying (the Gnaga is the famous Fornesighe Carnival).
Pedavena Brewery, the largest brewery in Italy
The Pedavena Brewery is the largest brewery in Italy with three rooms and a large park outside for the most beautiful days of spring and summer. The Sala degli Elefanti, the Sala degli Affreschi and the Veranda host hundreds of young people and families every day who taste local dishes such as Pastin and Schiz, with polenta and beers as special as the Centennial Beer, up to the desserts with the famous Birramisù.
Feltre, between history and nature
Feltre is a small town but very well stocked with cultural activities, museums and places to meet and walk in the open air. Here is the Theater de la Sena, a theater that is the miniature of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, a small jewel with a Palladian loggia from 1558. Here again is the Diocesan Museum and not far from the Rizzarda Museum. A few km from the center of Feltre is also the Vincheto di Celarda, a free natural oasis where many animals live and where it is possible to walk together with your family and children.
