Dear Wandering Spirit,
Situated in the heart of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of Italy’s most renowned winter spots. This gem in the Boite valley is home to some of the best Italian winter resorts. 🎿
The Renowned Cortina d'Ampezzo
The Winter Olympics and further world winter sports events were hosted here. Also, several movies have been shot here due to the beautiful scenery and architecture. Cortina’s population typically raises in wintertime from 7000 to 40,000.
For the reasons mentioned above, Cortina rapidly turned into the place for the jet set. 🔊 Fashion boutiques, luxurious hotels and restaurants can be found all over this lovely town. Some of the best fashion and arts designers book ateliers here year after year.
Sight-seeing in Cortina d'Ampezzo
This is a vibrant city in both winter and summertime but be prepared to pay higher costs in peak times – be smart and book accommodation around the town 💸 rather than on the main street.
You can reach everywhere in a short time as the town is very small. Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic growth of this place. However, Cortina’s reputation goes beyond contemporary times. Several museums and significant buildings keep telling the story of this region and its glorious past. Check them out in the link section at the end of this post.
Whether you are planning a day, a weekend or even a week in this magical place, you should visit the Basilica of St. Philip and St. James ⛪ to admire the stunning frescos. Take time to stroll around, starting from the main street (Corso Italia), down to the bell tower, which is a symbol of the town.
Amazing View Over the Valley
Being at the heart of the Ampezzo region, belonging to the Boite valley, Cortina has a strategic position between the Cadore and the Puster valleys.
It is surrounded by breath-taking mountains like Tofane, Cinque Torri and Mount Antelao ⛰️ (which is 3,264 m, the second highest mountain in the Dolomites).
Cortina is part of the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites and is the home of deer, wolves, marmots and many other mountain animals. Take a moment to admire the gorgeous view over the valley.
Facts About Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina, as well as many other places in the Dolomitic Alps, has a strong connection to its origins.
For this reason, you will notice everywhere a third language (both spoken and written) ✍️ next to Italian and German: Ladin. This minor language is spread all over the mountain region in north-east Italy and is strongly personal for the inhabitants.
Whatever reasons brings you to Cortina d’Ampezzo, you should always find time to get pampered at one of the many wellness experiences offered by local professionals. 💆
It is no mistake that Cortina deserves the name of Queen of the Dolomites. At the end of the day, do not miss the view of the Alps changing colour from orange to pink (it’s called alpenglow).
Other great places in the nearby are Cibiana di Cadore, known as the Town of the Murals, and Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of the Renaissance painter Tiziano.
Before leaving, check out the Dolomites travel journal for further travel inspiration in north-east Italy. Also, do not forget to subscribe to riccivagabondi travel blog!
