Holiday apartment in Rocca Pietore – Marmolada, culture and Ladin cuisine

Rocca Pietore between Marmolada and local history

Rocca Pietore combines the Marmolada with a rich history of churches, handicrafts and Ladin cuisine.

The Val Ombretta lies within the municipality of Rocca Pietore between the Fop mountains and the Marmolada. It is part of the second of the nine officially recognized and protected systems of the Dolomites, the Marmolada system. Another distinctive natural area is the Serrai di Sottoguda nature reserve: it extends for approximately two kilometres between Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela at the foot of the Marmolada.

Churches, remembrance and regional craftsmanship

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is located in Rocca’s main square; it is accessible to people with disabilities. The Gothic building was constructed in 1442 and consecrated on 2 October 1494; the bell tower followed in 1530. Sottoguda also has a historic religious building: the 15th-century church is located in the main square of the town centre and is dedicated to Saints Fabian, Sebastian and Rochus.

Sottoguda’s cultural history also includes the Carlo Delcroix Multimedia Centre. It is located in the building of the former primary school and is dedicated to the First World War. On touchscreens, you can view images and films about events from the First World War. The centre also contains a detailed terrain model of the surrounding area, including Rocca Pietore, Sottoguda, the Padon area, Fedaia and the Marmolada.

Another historic destination is the Marmolada Museum of the First World War on Punta Serauta. It is the highest museum in Europe and is located directly at sites of First World War battles. In summer, you can visit the galleries, trenches and positions outside the museum via a short secured trail. The Marmolada cable car travels from Malga Ciapela to the summit of the Marmolada in 12 minutes.

Experiences at an easy-going pace

For an active day, the route to the Centro Geografico delle Dolomiti near the Malga Ciapela campsite follows an asphalt road for approximately 20 minutes to Malga Gran Pian and then continues along a wide path to Malga Ombretta. The hike is suitable for adults and children and offers several refreshment options along the route. A totem hand-crafted by local artisans was inaugurated along this route on 24 June 2017.

Visitors can explore the craft workshops in Pian di Sottoguda; they are internationally known for processing wrought iron and wood. Ladin cuisine in the Rocca Pietore area includes Casonzèi, also known as Casunziei: crescent-shaped egg pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, pumpkin, beetroot or potatoes.

Further places for orientation

For further travel planning, you can also include Masarè, Colle Santa Lucia, Vigo di Cadore, Misurina, Castion, Pieve Di Cadore, Rivamonte Agordino and Pelos Di Cadore in your plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.