Cortina – Canazei

Description

The effort will be rewarded by breathtaking views of enchanting beauty and evocative views of some of the most famous peaks of the Dolomites. You will also pass through idiosyncratic mountain villages, which are fun to explore. From Cortina d'Ampezzo bus station, take the SR 48 towards the Passo Falzarego. Once in Pocol, past the Hotel Argentina, turn left towards the Passo Giau. After a challenging 15-kilometre hairpin bend climb, you will reach the Pass (2,236 m). From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Dolomites and admire a beautiful large flowery pasture. Start the steep descent that leads to Caprile, crossing the town of Selva di Cadore, Caprile and Sottoguda, an ancient village in the municipality of Rocca Pietore, at the foot of the Marmolada, awarded in 2016 the prestigious recognition of ""One of the most beautiful villages in Italy"". It is characterised by the numerous tabièi, wooden barns widespread in the Dolomite area of Ladin culture, and is famous for the processing of wrought iron. Climb up to Malga Ciapela, the valley station of the Marmolada cable car, the highest peak in the Dolomites with its 3,343 m and historical site of the Great War. Continue towards Canazei through the very hard hairpin bends of the Passo Fedaia (2,057 m), remembering the feats of the great champions of modern cycling. Skirt Lago Fedaia and continue towards Canazei, the cradle of ancient Ladin culture, also visible through the characteristic architecture of the town. From Canazei, continue up the winding Passo Pordoi (2,239 m), located between the Gruppo della Sella and the Gruppo della Marmolada, and descend towards Arabba, the main tourist centre of the Valle di Fodom. The pass is very famous among amateur cyclists both for the beauty of the territory in which it is immersed, and because it has been climbed since the 1940s by the Giro d'Italia, of which it has been Cima Coppi (highest point of the tour) several times. Continue in the direction of Passo Falzare passing by the Castello di Andraz, a fortification dating back to the eleventh century where a narrow road unravels between the tabià, the wooden barns typical of these valleys, and the characteristic houses. The church of the S.S. Trinità from 1600 and its medieval castle in Castello are both well-known. From here you will take the last climb to the Passo Falzarego (2,109 m) located between Lagazuoi and Col Gallina. The Passo Falzarego, with an endless series of hairpin bends and steep slopes among breathtaking scenery, is one of the historic passes of the Dolomite stages of the Giro d'Italia, made famous by the feats of the strongest climbers of all time. Once you have admired the view, continue with a pleasant descent to Cortina d'Ampezzo: you can admire the Tofana, the Cinque Torri and finally the Conca Ampezzana from above. Points of interest: Selva di Cadore: Museo Vittorino Cazzetta with the archaeological section dedicated to the man of Mondeval, Malga Ciapela Marmolada cable car, Castello di Andraz, Testimonies of the First World War, Pocol Military Memorial.