Discover Rocca Pietore

Rocca Pietore combines the mountain world of Marmolada with historic churches, protected landscapes and cultural sites in Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela. For travel planning, different highlights can be combined here: a hike to the Centro Geografico delle Dolomiti, visits to historic sites and an insight into Ladin cuisine.

Marmolada, Serrai di Sottoguda and Val Ombretta

The Serrai di Sottoguda nature reserve stretches for around two kilometres between Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela at the foot of Marmolada. Another landscape in the municipality is Val Ombretta, between the Fop mountains and Marmolada. The valley belongs to the second of the nine officially recognised and protected systems of the Dolomites, the Marmolada system.

From Malga Ciapela, the Marmolada cable car reaches the summit of Marmolada in 12 minutes. The Marmolada Museum of the First World War is located on Punta Serauta. It is the highest-altitude museum in Europe and lies directly at sites where battles of the First World War took place. In summer, the galleries, trenches and positions outside the museum can be visited via a short, secured path.

Hiking Route and Local Craft Culture

The route to the Centro Geografico delle Dolomiti begins near the campsite in Malga Ciapela. It follows a paved road for around 20 minutes to Malga Gran Pian and then continues along a wide path to Malga Ombretta. The hike is suitable for adults and children; there are several refreshment options along the route. A totem on this route was handmade by local craftspeople and inaugurated on 24 June 2017.

In Pian di Sottoguda, you can visit craft workshops that are internationally known for working with wrought iron and wood. The combination of craftsmanship, mountain scenery and historical memory is also reflected in the Carlo Delcroix Multimedia Centre in Sottoguda. It is housed in the former primary school building and is dedicated to the First World War. Touchscreens show images and films about events of the First World War; the centre also contains a detailed ground model of the surrounding area, including Rocca Pietore, Sottoguda, the Padon area, Fedaia and Marmolada.

Churches and Ladin Cuisine

In the centre of Rocca stands the parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena on the 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. In Sottoguda, the 15th-century church stands on the main square in the town centre; it is dedicated to Saints Fabian, Sebastian and Roch.

Ladin cuisine in the Rocca Pietore area includes Casonzèi, also known as Casunziei. These are crescent-shaped egg pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, pumpkin, beetroot or potatoes.

Further destinations in this overview: Ponte Nelle Alpi, Montebello, Taibon, Cortina D'ampezzo, Salce, Soccher, Puos Dʼalpago and Malga Ciapela.

For the overarching travel overview: Belluno.