Discover Salzen: History, Bridge and Village Culture

Salzen between Scaglia and the Ausor

Salzen combines striking evidence of village history with a landscape at the foot of Col delle Selze. The village lies between outcrops of red Scaglia; at the same time, the Ausor shapes several of the visible traces and structures. This creates a destination where the natural environment, sacred architecture and the history of former craft activities can be viewed in close proximity.

Procession and Oratorio Sant'Antonio da Padova

Every five years on June 13, Salzen holds a procession in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua. It commemorates a vow made in 1899. The established five-year cycle clearly distinguishes this event from annual celebrations and makes the date a special cultural reference point for planning your trip.

The religious focal point is connected with the Oratorio Sant'Antonio da Padova. It was built in 1854 and rebuilt between 1864 and 1878 based on a design by the architect Giuseppe Segusini, who came from Feltre. The building's history therefore includes both the original construction and a later phase in which the Oratorio acquired its present historical classification according to this design.

Traces of Fire, a Mill and a Sawmill

Salzen's history also includes a devastating event: the entire village was destroyed by fire on August 18, 1861. The ruins of Salzen's barley mill are still visible today on the right bank of the Ausor. The ruins point to an earlier use of the water, without allowing any current function of the structure to be inferred.

Wood processing is also associated with the village. Salzen's sawmill remained in operation until the flood of 1966. Wood-processing remnants were used as fuel in lime kilns on the opposite slope. Together with the ruins of the barley mill, they provide a vivid picture of various work activities connected with the Ausor and the slopes around Salzen.

Small Structures in the Village

Those who pay attention to details in the village landscape will find a stone fountain from the 17th century on Salzen's small square. Salzen also has a small 17th-century house portal.

Landscape and Crossing the Ausor

The location between the red Scaglia outcrops and the foot of Col delle Selze gives Salzen a clearly defined landscape setting. In addition, there is the Pont dell'Egua, built over the Ausor in 1915.

A Challenging Route to Salzen

A route considered challenging leads down to the Ausor stream. After crossing the bridge, you reach Salzen. This route is particularly interesting if you would like to combine an active approach to the village with the changing sequence of path, stream and bridge. Its classification as challenging should be part of your personal planning.

More Destinations for Your Trip to Italy

If you would like to compare Salzen with other Italian destinations, you can find Auronzo Di Cadore, Chies D'alpago, Zoldo Alto, Sappada, Selva Di Cadore, Quero, Canale D'agordo and San Vito Di Cadore.

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.