Padola: Culture, Churches and Trails

In and around Padola, culture, architectural history and routes for a range of activities come together. When looking for a hotel in Padola, you can consider which themes you would like to shape your stay: visiting a museum, exploring churches, discovering historical sites or getting active in the surrounding area. The following places and routes offer specific points of reference for planning your trip.

Museum and Churches

The Museo della Cultura Alpina e Ladina del Comelico displays more than 4,000 objects arranged in themed sections. A large hall is dedicated to the First World War in Comelico. The sections feature explanatory panels in Italian, Ladin, English and German; the presentation may change if the museum is redesigned.

The churches can also be distinguished by their architectural history. The Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista was built between 1862 and 1869 to plans by architect Giuseppe Segusini. The Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie was built in 1859 as a hexagonal structure with an atrium, based on a design by engineer Francesco Sandi. The Madonna delle Grazie is opened for religious services; take this reason for access into account when planning your visit.

Historical Traces in the Landscape

La Stua lies below Padola on the Torrente Padola. The artificial dam enabled timber rafting downstream, pointing to a former use of the watercourse. Another trace of historical economic activity is the inactive Antica Cava di Tufo di Padola. It lies northwest of the town on the way to Lago di Campo. Just before the lake, the quarry can be seen on the left-hand slope, facing Monte Aiarnola. This location description helps you identify the site in the landscape.

Cycling and Hiking Routes

The Cammino degli Alti Pascoli is a circular hiking trail about 100 kilometres long, with 5,225 metres of elevation gain. The hike starts and ends in Padola. The fifth stage leads from Padola on a level path alongside the stream to Valgrande, then follows trail 171 along the Torrente Risena towards Selvapiana and the hollow where Rifugio Lunelli is located.

For a cycling loop, the distance and approximate duration are specified more precisely: “Padola – Valgrande – Padola” is rated easy, is 10 kilometres long and takes about an hour. It starts at the Padola ski lifts, heads towards Lago di Campo along a forest track and returns to Padola via a cycle path. The circular hiking route and the cycling loop therefore differ considerably in their stated scope; both the distance and an approximate duration are given for the cycle ride.

Valgrande and Practical Facilities

Valgrande is close to Padola. The valley is characterised by rich biodiversity, beech, larch and spruce forests, and natural sulphur springs. There are also opportunities for family walks.

The Pattinaggio Kral Ladin ice rink is located in Padola at Via Valgrande 21. The ice facilities in Padola also offer evening skating and on-site skate rental. If you would like to go on the ice at a particular time, check the relevant availability in advance.

There are charging stations in Padola on Via Torrente Padola and at Kral Ladin, Via Valgrande 21. As infrastructure locations can change, it is best to check locally. For information and bookings for the excursion to the Laghetti di Padola, the Consorzio Turistico Val Comelico Dolomiti lists the phone numbers 0435 67021 and 0435 62230, as well as the email address dolomiti@valcomelico.it. Check the contact details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Santo Stefano Di Cadore, Pian Molin-costa di Mezzo, Forno Di Zoldo, Danta, Pieve D'alpago, Malga Ciapela, Salzen, Cortina D'ampezzo.

Go to the main travel overview: Belluno.