Lamon: Archaeology, Trails and Landscape in Veneto

Lamon combines archaeological evidence, walkable historic trails, distinctive landscapes and regional traditions. If you want to explore Veneto independently, you will find various points of interest here: you can learn about the history surrounding San Donato, choose trails with clearly described distances, or explore the landscape around La Senaiga and Monte Coppolo.

Archaeology and Historic Trails

The parish church of San Pietro preserves frescoes from 1560 to 1570, attributed to Marco Da Mel. Another way to experience the area’s history is the section of the Via Claudia Augusta beginning at Costa, now called Via Pagana. The four-kilometre-long, gently ascending trail is walkable and cut into the rock.

The Val Senaiga Canyon is located in San Donato di Lamon. The area’s archaeological history also includes the San Donato necropolis, with around 70 graves. It was used from the middle of the 1st century AD to the 4th century AD. The Museo Civico Archeologico e la necropoli di San Donato is located near Lamon’s main square and preserves finds from the archaeological excavations carried out between 2000 and 2009 in Piasentot near San Donato. In summer, it has set opening hours; outside the summer season, visits are possible by prior reservation.

Il Ponte Romano is also one of the area’s historic landmarks. The recently restored bridge consists of a single span made of local stone, supported by a round arch. During a stay in Lamon, sacred art, Roman construction history and archaeological finds can therefore be experienced as distinct themes, without combining them into a single attraction.

Circular Trails, Panoramic Views and La Senaiga

La Senaiga is a 62-metre-high double-arch dam. It was built between 1949 and 1951 in the territory of Lamon, on the border with the Province of Trento. A suspended footbridge crosses the lake, offering impressive panoramic views. Numerous mallards and grey herons can be observed on Lake La Senaiga and in its immediate surroundings.

For a hike with specific details, the Anello Sala-Pezzè circular trail is suitable. It is 5.4 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 320 metres, is considered suitable for children and can be walked with animals. On the Arina, Chiappini, Toffoli hiking trail, hikers reach the hamlet of Piloni from the church of Arina after 30 minutes. After another 15 minutes, they reach the hamlet of Chiappini behind Col Sec.

The Lamon Gran Tour is a circular route with impressive views over the valley. In its final section, it follows part of the imperial Via Claudia Augusta. A considerably more demanding option is Monte Coppolo: it is considered a natural continuation of the Vette Feltrine and a biodiversity protection area. The ascent is considered difficult and offers impressive panoramic views.

Regional Tradition and the Lamon Sheep

The sheep of the Lamon breed is part of the local character. It is a native population from the area of the same name in the Province of Belluno and is now found mainly in the municipality of Lamon and in several other municipalities of Valbelluna. The meat of the “fea” is available in local restaurants and from food retailers in the surrounding area.

The Festa del fagiolo di Lamon takes place every year on the third weekend of September and lasts three days. At the festival, you can sample local specialities such as smoked mutton. It also includes an extensive programme dedicated to discovering and sharing the region’s cultural and traditional heritage. In Lamon, therefore, the focus is not only on trails and historic sites, but also on a clearly defined regional food culture.

Other Destinations in the Area

For further travel planning, you can also find Rocca Pietore, Feltre, Dosoledo, Ornella, Pian del Cansiglio, Pian Molin-costa di Mezzo, Santa Giustina and Seren del Grappa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.