Calalzo di Cadore
Calalzo di Cadore, known for its eyewear industries, its Marmarole, one of the largest mountain massifs in the Dolomites, and the extraordinary natural beauty of Lagole, is located on the shores of Lake Centro Cadore, 806 metres above sea level. The village hosts a railway station and, thanks to the presence of fast roads, is close to the A27 motorway entrance at Pian di Vedoia.
There are many peculiarities that distinguish this town: the Val d’Oten, a place of particular naturalistic interest, allows one to undertake various excursions that lead to the Capanna degli Alpini (Alpine Hut), the Chiggiato Refuge and the Galassi Refuge, walking above the splendid Marmarole Group and the imposing Monte Antelao.
The valley, which can be reached by passing through the town of Calalzo and continuing on to Praciadelan, is also suitable for more relaxing walks and wonderful picnics in the sun, at the specially-equipped areas that have been set up.
On the opposite slope, with their crown of sharp peaks, stand the Spalti di Toro with the Tita Barba, Padova and Cercenà refuges and many paths within everyone’s reach, to be followed to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
Lagole is an area of extraordinary natural and archaeological value located between the train station and the Centro Cadore lake. The waters in this area probably flow from Mount Antelao and, after travelling several kilometres underground, resurface at Lagole at a temperature of around 10° C. Here, due to the impermeable characteristics of the terrain, they give rise to small lakes, waterfalls and springs that flow into Lake de le Tose, the largest basin. Walking through this magical forest, one breathes a strong scent of sulphur, indicative of the presence of alkaline-earth sulphates in the water. Even in ancient times, the properties of the waters, rich in sulphurous substances curative for the skin, were known. In fact, excavations carried out between 1949 and 1960 brought to light many remains testifying to the presence of ancient Roman and Paleovenetian settlements, now preserved in the Cadore Archaeological Museum.
Some of the best hikes from Calalzo di Cadore
