Lorenzago Di Cadore: Mountains, Trails and Culture

Lorenzago Di Cadore combines mountain scenery with trails, religious sites and artistic heritage. When planning your trip, it is worth noting the specific differences: alongside hiking and winter activities, there are climbing routes, a viewpoint and a panoramic road about one kilometre long. Churches, the Museo dei Papi and Castello di Mirabello each offer their own historical and spiritual focus.

Mountain scenery between the pass and viewpoints

Passo della Mauria lies entirely within the area of Lorenzago Di Cadore. Strada Statale 52 connects Cadore with Carnia via the pass. At Monte Mauria, water has carved out funnel-shaped dolines. Big Bench #303 offers a view of Monte Cridola; Parco dei Sogni is a panoramic road about one kilometre long. Together, these features reveal different aspects of the landscape: a pass, distinctive landforms, a mountain view and a panoramic road.

Hiking, winter excursions and climbing

Classified as a hiking trail, CAI Trail 336 begins at Castello di Mirabello in Lorenzago Di Cadore. It is 9 kilometres long and reaches a maximum elevation of 1969 metres. Length and maximum elevation are distinct details to consider when assessing the route. The castle itself is not open to visitors; access is reserved for guests.

The Sentiero dei Papi leads to the Santuario all'aperto di San Giovanni Paolo II Papa and passes through places where Giovanni Paolo II and Benedetto XVI stayed and spent moments in prayer. The two trails have different points of interest: CAI Trail 336 is defined by its length and maximum elevation, while the Sentiero dei Papi is distinguished by its destination at the sanctuary and its connections to papal history.

The ascent to Ricovero Miaron is part of the “Cadore Regno delle Ciaspe” loop trail and can be done on snowshoes or skis. This seasonal winter activity differs from the hiking trails in the modes of travel mentioned. Experienced climbers will find several climbing routes at Falesia a Croera. The options range from a hiking route with a stated length and elevation, to winter excursions, to climbing for experienced climbers.

Churches, art and papal history

Castello di Mirabello was built in 1890 as a summer residence for Giovanni Facheris, a Lombard industrialist and senator of the Kingdom. Its history is distinct from the current conditions for visiting: visits are not possible, and access is reserved for guests.

Chiesa della Madonna della Difesa is one of four votive churches in Cadore dedicated to Madonna della Difesa. It was built after the plague of 1511–1512, which claimed the lives of about a third of the population. Its dedication and historical context give a visit to this church a distinctive connection to local cultural history.

Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Ermagora e Fortunato has a step-free side entrance for people with disabilities. The church houses a painting by Cesare Vercello depicting Saint Anthony, as well as several frescoes by Antonio Schiavi. The step-free access and the artworks mentioned offer two distinct points of interest for visitors.

The Museo dei Papi displays photographs of special official and private moments in the life of Karol Wojtyla, as well as valuable objects that belonged to him. Since 2007, a room in the Museo dei Papi has been dedicated to the presence of Pope Benedetto XVI. The Santuario all'aperto di San Giovanni Paolo II Papa hosts religious events, pilgrimages and other moments of spirituality. Together with the Sentiero dei Papi, this offers a connection to religious history both through a museum and along a trail.

Discover more destinations: Zoldo Alto, Villanova, Farra D'alpago, San Gregorio Nelle Alpi, Corte, Spert, Ponte Nelle Alpi, Cherz.

For the broader travel overview: Belluno.