Gallerie del Lagazuoi

Description

The Galleria del Lagazuoi equipped trail is an unmissable trip as it is one-of-a-kind and allows you to experience the Great War in the Dolomites. The hike will let you “touch with your hands” the enormous work and suffering experienced by the troops. The famous helical tunnel of the Anticima was built during the First World War by Italian soldiers who, starting from the Cengia Martini, dug tunnels inside the Piccolo Lagazuoi to surprise the Austrian soldiers who occupied the summit. To reach the start of the via ferrata from Passo Falzarego, take the Lagazuoi cable car or, if you prefer to arrive on foot, from Passo Falzarego, take path 402 to Forcella Travenanzes, and from there path 401 to the arrival of the cable car. The climb on foot lasts about 2 hours and is slightly challenging in the first stretch. Finally, it is also possible to climb via the Kaiserjager equipped path, which goes up along the opposite side of Monte Lagazuoi. Once you reach the arrival station of the cable car at the top of Lagazuoi, visit the magnificent Rifugio Lagazuoi, whose terrace offers an enchanting view. You can also reach the summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi in just a few minutes. Finally, upon reservation, it is possible to listen to a historical reenactor in the uniform of the Tiroler Kaiserjäger III Regiment, who will illustrate the historical events that took place during the Great War on Lagazuoi, the scene of clashes between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies. From the mountain hut, return to the cable car arrival point, where you’ll find the signs for the start of the path that will take you to the tunnels. After a short stretch of path you’ll find a sign indicating the entrance – from here your trip into the tunnels begins, entirely equipped with metal rope. You must carry a via ferrata kit, gloves and helmet, as some sections of the tunnel are very low and there is little light. It is also mandatory to bring a torch or headlamp as the tunnel is very dark in places, lit only by a few windows that offer spectacular views of Cortina, but which don’t illuminate the entire path. Along the way down, on the steps dug by hand by the troops, you’ll find several points with historical artefacts with in-depth descriptions and many historical curiosities. At some points it is possible to exit the tunnel for short stretches or admire the panorama from windows carved into the rock. Before the end of the route, there is an option to emerge onto the historic Cengia Martini for an extra stretch, particularly interesting for its historical importance and the views it offers. You’ll also find some wooden houses dug into the rock, which you can visit. Once you have visited the Martini ledge, return to the Gallerie and in a few minutes you’ll reach path 402, which will take you back to the Passo Falzarego along the road you took on the outward journey.