Dolomites / Pordenone – Udine

The Dolomites take their name from the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, born in the 18th century, who was the first to study this particular type of rock. There is a set of nine mountain systems in the Italian Eastern Alps that exhibit a variety of mountain landscapes of incomparable beauty. The Dolomites are also called Pale Mountains due to white changing rock that makes them unique and fascinating. They extend for almost 142 thousand hectares embracing the Veneto areas of Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia. In the territory of Belluno falls most of the mountain groups of the Dolomites, equal to about 70% of the most famous mountains of north-eastern Italy.

The splendor of the Dolomite landscape, recognized and awarded by UNESCO, is characterized by a multitude of colors. You can admire the contrast between the soft green bands of the woods and prairies and the rocky peaks, extremely varied in both shape and components. You go from vertical walls up to 1600 meters high to gorges 500 to 1500 meters, to reach Dolomite peaks measuring over 3000 meters above sea level. Finally, one is fascinated by the small glaciers and the perennial snowfields that are the result of a slow transformation. The spectacular peaks adorned with spires, the towers and pinnacles with infinite sculptural shapes, have emerged 70 million years ago from the primordial sea that covered the entire area and have been shaped over time by atmospheric agents that have shaped them into  unique ones. These mountains, once a cluster of shells, corals and algae, submerged by the sea, today represent a magnificent geological treasure rich in fossils. At dawn and dusk, the Dolomites turn pink. A typical and unique phenomenon due to the particular composition of its rock, composed by double calcium carbonate fossils. There are more than 1,500 plant species and numerous animal species. Three cultures meet, the Italian, the German and the Ladin.

The three cultures with their ancient traditions, their knowledge and their legends give us a rich ethnographic heritage. The splendid landscapes of the Dolomites have always attracted Italian and foreign climbers, explorers and travelers. Its resorts are renowned holiday destinations for those seeking intimate contact with nature and for those in need of a breath of fresh air and regenerating activities. Climbing, skiing, paragliding, mountain biking, canoeing for the more adventurous, but also hiking in an environment in an irresistible charm that speaks to the soul offering emotions, silence and amazement.