Ideal Escapes in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo, more commonly known as Cortina, is a small town in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is situated in the centre of the Dolomites, with the Boite River flowing right through it. Cortina is a quite famous tourist destination. A large number of people come here every year to enjoy the scenic beauty and the wide range of mountain activities.

You can visit Cortina all around the year, but the best time to visit it is in the winters, from December to April or May. Cortina is known for its scenery and natural beauty. It is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides. It has Tofane to its west, most of which is a part of a natural park, Parco natural delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. It has the Pomagagnon Mountains to the north and Cristallo to the northeast. It has the Cinque Torri (five towers) to the south. It is a group of uniquely shaped mountain stumps, in a rough line, that resemble a row of towers from a distance.

Cortina is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Besides the beautiful flora, you will also find a lot of fauna, like chamois, hares, marmots, roe deer and sometimes even wolves, lynx and bears. It is also the favorite destination for people seeking adventure. The nearby mountains, especially the Cristallo Mountains, are the major spot for skiing and other winter sports. It is also great for walking and bicycling in the summers. Cortina has a lot to offer to people who are lovers of art. The town specializes in crafting wood for furniture, copper, iron and glass products, tiled stoves, etc. The place has several museums. The Rinaldo Zardini Palaeontology museum, the Regole of Anpezzo Ethnographic museum, the Mario Rimoldi Modern Art museum, etc. The Great War Open Air museum, with its trenches and tunnels, is also worth a visit. Cortina d’Ampezzo hosts the Dino Ciani Festival from July to August. It is celebrated in honour of pianist Dino Ciani and attracts several pianists, both young and professionals, from all over the world. An annual music event, Festival of the Bands, is also organized in Cortina. It features several brass bands from Italy and outside.

Cortina also has some beautiful churches like the Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, the Chiesa della Madonna della Difesa, the Cappella della Beata Vergine di Lourdes, the Sacrario militare di Pocol, etc. It is also home to several forts like the Castello de Zanna, the Forte tre Sassi, the Castello di Botestagno, etc. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a perfect place for you to visit with your family and friends and have an exciting or relaxing vacation, whichever you may want.