Discover Cibiana Di Cadore: Murals, Museums and Monte Rite

Cibiana Di Cadore combines local history, craftsmanship and trails in the Dolomites to create a destination with a distinctive cultural profile. Around 60 murals depict the history of the village; they were created by Italian and international artists and can be viewed on foot. Those looking for accommodation in Cibiana Di Cadore can therefore plan their stay around both cultural sightseeing and a trip to Monte Rite.

Murals and craftsmanship in the village

The murals make Cibiana’s history visible in the village’s streetscape. For your walk, you do not visit a single museum room, but rather a series of murals that can be viewed on foot. The Museo del Ferro e della Chiave offers another perspective on the local past. On two floors, it presents mining, ironworking and objects made of iron. Bilingual Italian-English panels also explain the technical development of processing metal into everyday objects.

The development of the Rite valley was closely connected with ironworking. Mines were already active there in 1420. From ironworking, Cibiana developed a distinctive craft for making keys. The renowned “scarpete” are also part of the village’s craft tradition: the slippers made of cord and velvet are produced entirely by hand in Cibiana by women. The Museo del Ferro e della Chiave is located near the Ufficio delle Miniere in the Cibiana di Sotto district.

Monte Rite: History, Geology and Trails

Monte Rite is an important focal point for cultural and hiking activities. At its summit lies the Fortezza Cadore-Maè at an altitude of 2,181 metres. It was built between 1912 and 1914 and owes its present appearance to its strategic importance during the two World Wars. The route to Monte Rite from Cibiana follows CAI Trail 479, also known as the Sentiero del Col d’Orlando, which is considered wide and well marked.

The approximate length of the ascent is also relevant when planning your tour: The summit of Monte Rite can be reached via natural trails through the forest and an ascent of approximately 7 km. The Alta Via No. 3 of the Dolomites also passes over Monte Rite. Take these differing details into account when choosing your activity and plan the route to suit your daily schedule.

Museums on Monte Rite

The museum on Monte Rite is another highlight. Campo Base is Reinhold Messner’s second museum in Cibiana di Cadore, after the museum on Monte Rite. Campo Base was conceived as a starting point for an intellectual ascent through Cibiana’s art and culture and through the history of mountaineering. The Messner Mountain Museum also preserves fossils documenting the early formation of dolomite rock. These include Claraia shell fossils from 250 million years ago and cycad fossils from 240 million years ago.

Further options for planning your trip

A cycling tour can also be included among your options: The “Cibiana e i Murales” cycling circuit starts in Cibiana di Cadore. In winter, Cibiana offers a floodlit 2-km cross-country ski trail where you can ski under the starry sky. When choosing your accommodation and length of stay, you can therefore decide whether to focus on murals and museums, Monte Rite or a winter activity.

If you would like to compare other destinations in the wider region, you will find additional places to visit here: Domegge Di Cadore, Seren del Grappa, Forno Di Zoldo, Corte, Cesiomaggiore, Rivamonte Agordino, Cimasappada and Pelos Di Cadore.

For the overview of destinations at the next level up: Belluno.