From centre to Campo

Description

From the Via del Parco car park, take the asphalt road down to the bed of the Boite stream. Leave the last houses behind you by crossing the bridge and continue along the easy dirt road that crosses a beautiful meadow offering a splendid 360° view of Cortina, which you can admire on one of the benches along the little road: the Campanile with the Pomagagnon as a backdrop behind you, the Tofane to your right, the Becco di Mezzodì in front and Sorapis, Faloria and Cristallo to your left. The narrow road begins to descend until it reaches the first houses in Campo, one of Cortina's historic hamlets. Continue along the road, with little traffic, appreciating the traditional houses and the small but significant Campo church. Built in the 18th century, it features a 16th-century altar and its bell comes from Castello di Botestagno, which protected the valley from the north. Continue along the asphalt road turning left and cross the small hamlet of Salieto until you come to a crossroads: keep to the left and follow Via delle Guide until you cross the small bridge over the Bigontina river and reach the Chiesa della Madonna della Difesa. This church is also worth a visit: dating back to 1750 in its present form, it was first built in the 15th century as a vow to the Virgin Mary for the victory over Sigismund of Luxembourg's men, who were much outnumbered by the Ampezzo residents. Continue past the cemetery to return to the starting point in a couple of minutes.