Cortina d'Ampezzo, the 'Queen' of the Dolomites
In a unique location, at 1210 metres above sea level, Cortina is the capital of the Ampezzo Valleyin the heart of the Dolomites. It is an elegant holiday resort that offers entertainment possibilities in all seasons. Sport is undoubtedly the undisputed protagonist: from skiing in winter to hiking and trekking in summer, but art and culture also find their place thanks to cultural events and exhibitions that have now become regular appointments.
After a well-deserved visit to the town centre, passing by the characteristic basilica of Saints Philip and James and strolling through the elegant boutiques of Corso Italiayou can set off on excursions in the surrounding area and enjoy the splendid mountain scenery all around, which in 2009 became part of the prestigious world list of the World Natural Heritage List.. Not far from the city centre, two splendid viewpoints are recommended:
Cima Tofana (3244 m a.s.l.): Cima Tofana is the third highest peak in the Dolomites and the highest in Cortina. Thanks to the Tofana cable car, it is possible to reach a large terrace on the summit and admire a unique and spectacular 360-degree panorama of the mountains surrounding the Ampezzo basin.
Pocol belvedere and shrineThe Belvedere of Pocol is a panoramic viewpoint over Cortina d'Ampezzo at an altitude of about 1,500 metres, particularly recommended at sunset with the last rays of sunlight illuminating the mountains. Near the Belvedere is the shrine, also known as the 'ossuary of Pocol', a 1935 construction housing the bones of 9707 Italian war dead and the graves of two gold medals for military valour.
If, on the other hand, you would like to practise some healthy outdoor sport, we recommend going into and discovering on foot the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites. The latter extends north of the town of Cortina, on the border between Veneto and South Tyrol. Here, nature still reigns supreme since, being a protected area, there are no residential settlements or ski resorts. In this area rich in fauna, flora and diverse habitats, the management of the park is characterised by a low level of impact. A dense network of well-marked paths leads to no less than 11 alpine refuges where you can enjoy pleasant breaks at high altitude.
