Rocca Pietore: Marmolada, History and Ladin Culture

Rocca Pietore between the Marmolada and Ladin culture

Rocca Pietore combines the high-Alpine landscape of the Marmolada with churches, crafts, Ladin cuisine and places where the history of the Dolomites can be traced. The Val Ombretta lies within the municipality of Rocca Pietore between the Fop mountains and the Marmolada. It belongs to the second of the nine officially recognized and protected systems of the Dolomites, the Marmolada system.

Churches, squares and crafts in Rocca and Sottoguda

In the center of Rocca stands the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena on the main square. It was built in the Gothic style in 1442 and consecrated on October 2, 1494. The bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena was built in 1530. The church is accessible to people with disabilities.

Sottoguda also has a distinctive sacred landmark: the village church, dating from the 15th century, stands on the main square in the town center and is dedicated to Saints Fabian, Sebastian and Roch. In Pian di Sottoguda, you can also visit workshops that are internationally known for working with wrought iron and wood. This allows you to experience the local culture not only through architecture, but also through traditional skills.

Trails through nature and the Dolomite landscape

The Serrai di Sottoguda nature reserve stretches for approximately two kilometers between Sottoguda and Malga Ciapela at the foot of the Marmolada. For hiking enthusiasts, the route to the Centro Geografico delle Dolomiti near the campsite in Malga Ciapela follows an asphalt road and takes about 20 minutes to reach Malga Gran Pian. It then continues along a wide path to Malga Ombretta.

The hike to the Centro Geografico delle Dolomiti is suitable for adults and children and offers several refreshment options along the route. This path also features a totem that was handmade by local craftspeople and inaugurated on June 24, 2017. The combination of landscape, trail and handcrafted detail gives the route its own cultural character.

The Marmolada and the history of the First World War

The Carlo Delcroix Multimedia Center is located in Sottoguda in the building of the former elementary school. It is dedicated to the First World War and displays images and films about events from that period on touchscreens. The center also includes a detailed terrain model of the surrounding area, showing Rocca Pietore, Sottoguda, the Padon area, Fedaia and the Marmolada.

The Marmolada Museum of the First World War is located on Punta Serauta. It is considered the highest museum in Europe and lies directly at sites of First World War battles. In summer, you can visit the galleries, trenches and positions outside the museum via a short secured mountain path. The Marmolada cable car travels from Malga Ciapela to the summit of the Marmolada in 12 minutes.

Ladin cuisine in Rocca Pietore

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

For further travel planning, you can also find Cesiomaggiore, Pian Molin-costa di Mezzo, Trichiana, Colle Santa Lucia, Nevegal, Lentiai, Pieve Di Cadore and Montebello.

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.