Rocca Pietore: Marmolada, Culture and Ladin Cuisine

Rocca Pietore offers a range of ways to shape your stay: mountain scenery around the Marmolada, trails to clearly identified destinations and places with a history of their own. The churches, a multimedia centre and Ladin cuisine also help define the area. If you are looking for a hotel, these highlights can help you organise your interests for the trip.

Landscapes between Sottoguda and the Marmolada

The Serrai di Sottoguda nature reserve stretches for about two kilometres between Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela, at the foot of the Marmolada. Val Ombretta offers a different connection to the landscape: it lies within the municipality of Rocca Pietore, between the Fop mountains and the Marmolada. It is also part of the Marmolada system, the second of the nine officially recognised and protected systems of the Dolomites. This distinguishes a nature reserve between two named places from a protected Dolomite system within the municipality.

Mountain destinations and different routes

The route to the Centro Geografico delle Dolomiti starts near the campsite at Malga Ciapela. It follows a paved road to Malga Gran Pian in about 20 minutes, then continues along a wide trail to Malga Ombretta. The hike is suitable for adults and children, and there are several places to stop for refreshments along the route. As local trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

The Marmolada cable car offers a different perspective on the mountain area: the ride from Malga Ciapela takes twelve minutes to reach the summit of the Marmolada. It operates seasonally; check its schedule before departure. The route to the Centro Geografico and the cable-car ride therefore differ in both destination and course: one goes via Malga Gran Pian and continues to Malga Ombretta, while the other climbs to the Marmolada summit.

Churches and history

The parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena stands on Rocca’s main square. It was built in the Gothic style in 1442 and consecrated on 2 October 1494; the bell tower was built in 1530. The church is accessible to people with disabilities. Check accessibility before your visit.

In Sottoguda, the 15th-century church stands on the main square in the town centre. It is dedicated to Saints Fabian, Sebastian and Roch. The two churches can thus also be distinguished by their location and history: Santa Maria Maddalena on Rocca’s main square, with its precisely dated construction and consecration, and the church in Sottoguda, located in the town centre and dedicated to three patron saints.

The Carlo Delcroix Multimedia Centre is housed in the former primary school building in Sottoguda and is dedicated to the First World War. Touchscreens display images and films about events from the war. A detailed floor model shows the surrounding area, including Rocca Pietore, Sottoguda, the Padon area, Fedaia and the Marmolada. The centre thus combines its portrayal of the war with a geographical overview of several named areas.

The Marmolada Museum of the First World War is located on Punta Serauta. Regarded as the highest-altitude museum in Europe, it stands directly beside sites where fighting took place. In summer, visitors can explore galleries, trenches and positions outside the museum via a short, secured path. Check the conditions before setting out. In Pian di Sottoguda, visitors can also tour workshops known internationally for working with wrought iron and wood; check in advance whether individual workshop visits are available.

Ladin cuisine

Ladin cuisine in the Rocca Pietore area includes Casonzèi, also known as Casunziei. These crescent-shaped egg pasta parcels are made with a variety of fillings: traditional options include spinach and ricotta, pumpkin, beetroot or potatoes. The different fillings give the dish a clear culinary variety without requiring you to choose any particular version.

Discover more destinations: San Pietro di Cadore, Danta, Auronzo Di Cadore, Padola, Lamon, Campagna, Belluno, Cimasappada.

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