Cortina d'ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is considered the pearl of the Dolomites, a picturesque village located in a wide valley of extraordinary beauty surrounded by majestic and splendid mountains that blaze at sunset, leaving everyone breathless. It has always been renowned for its extraordinary alpine landscape, the charming architecture, and its ski slopes, which have always attracted the international jet set.
WHAT TO SEE IN CORTINA
Cortina d’Ampezzo is considered the pearl of the Dolomites, a picturesque village located in a wide valley of extraordinary beauty surrounded by majestic and splendid mountains that blaze at sunset, leaving everyone breathless. It has always been renowned for its extraordinary alpine landscape, the charming architecture, and its ski slopes, which have always attracted the international jet set.
- Corso Italia
Corso Italia in Cortina, which became pedestrian in the early 70s, represents the beating heart of the town. A 600-meter pedestrian zone that crosses the historic center from north to south is undoubtedly one of the most elegant and well-known streets in the Dolomites. Designer stores, historic cafes, wine shops, traditional shops attract both residents and visitors of Cortina: a walk is highly recommended, or as they say in Cortina, “una vasca” to breathe in and see the atmosphere of the town.
A “mandatory” stop is the cooperative of Cortina, which is a staple in the valley and inside you can find everything from needles and clothing to household items and groceries!
- THE BELL TOWER OF CORTINA AND THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAN FILIPPO E GIACOMO
The Bell Tower of Cortina, together with the parish church of San Filippo e Giacomo, is located in the center of Corso Italia and is a landmark in the valley as it can be seen from every corner of the valley from its 700 meters height. It is worth seeing its bells, made by the Austrian company Grassmayr in Innsbruck, famous for their wonderful ringing. The church was built in 1769 on the foundations of two previous churches (from the 13th and 16th centuries) and is frescoed by artists from Ampezzo such as Giuseppe Ghedina.
- THE OLD TOWN HALL "EL COMUN VECIO"
A large building with yellow facades completely decorated with various heraldic emblems. Beautiful to see, it was the old seat of Cortina’s town hall. Today the building houses the tourist information office.
- THE HOUSE OF THE REGOLE "RA CIASA DE RA REGOLES"
The Ampezzan rules are an institution responsible for regulating and protecting the territory of Ampezzo since 1300, such as the protection of forests, pastures, and dairy farms as well as all maintenance and protection of the valley’s territory. From this, it follows that ra ciasa de ra regoles is one of the most symbolic and important buildings in Cortina. Made in Austrian style, without balconies, it has a facade painted a beautiful straw yellow.
- Chiesa S. Francesco
Not far from Lovat bar, going down via della Difesa there is the small Church of San Francesco. It is one of the oldest chapels in Cortina and is private: it belongs to the Costantini family. Inside the church are splendid frescoes from the 14th century, partially recovered, and a small Lourdes grotto. During Christmas time, the tree in front of the church is decorated with large red Christmas balls and with lighting it offers a beautiful scene.
- THE TOWN HALL
The town hall of Cortina is located right in front of the Cooperative; it was built in 1836 and is the administrative seat of the town. Inside the entrance hall are two cannons presented to Cortina by Radetzky in 1851 to be melted down to make bells for the bell tower. The cannons were so well preserved that they were not melted down.
- Gellner : FORMER POST OFFICE BUILDING
In Largo Poste there is the former post office building designed by architect Edoardo Gellner for the Cortina 1956 Olympic Games. Gellner is mainly known for having designed, together with architect Scarpa, the Eni village at Borca di Cadore, a spectacular complex immersed in nature that is still visitable today. Gellner’s style can be defined as “modern alpine architecture.”
- MARIO RIMOLDI MODERN ART MUSEUMi
The Mario Rimoldi Modern Art Museum is located inside Ciasa de ra regoles and was created thanks to donations made by Rimoldi’s widow, a collector from Cortina. The collection includes significant works of contemporary art from the 20th century in Italy.
WHAT TO DO IN CORTINA
Cortina d’Ampezzo is located at 1200 meters in a wide valley surrounded by wonderful mountains. The ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities, both in winter and summer seasons. – introductory text then a paragraph for each type of activity: winter skiing, trekking, …
- DOWNHILL SKIING
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most renowned destinations for winter sports. Its mountains have numerous downhill slopes, suitable for all levels of experience, which attract skiers, snowboarders, and climbers from all over the world every year. In 1956 it hosted the Winter Olympics and since then the ski jump has welcomed everyone arriving in the valley. It will host the 2026 Olympics and the excitement in the valley for the highly anticipated event is very high.
- CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
There are numerous trails, immersed in the woods, also for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. A representative event of the discipline is the Granfondo Dobbiaco Cortina race, which sees a large number of athletes from all over the world competing every year.
- SNOWSHOEING EXCURSIONS
In Cortina, it is possible to discover and reach huts and shelters with snowshoes, walking in enchanted places, listening to the silence of nature, and admiring beautiful landscapes and views.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
The mountain in summer offers its visitors a multitude of activities, from a refreshing walk to hiking in the mountains and woods, to mountain biking and rock climbing.
- ADVENTURE PARK
Ideal for those coming to Cortina with family but also for groups of friends who want to spend a few hours having fun climbing among the trees. Not far from the historical center, nestled in the greenery, the beautiful Adventure Park of Cortina has various paths based on age and height. Fun is guaranteed.
- SPORT CLIMBING
Ideal for those coming to Cortina with family but also for groups of friends who want to spend a few hours having fun climbing among the trees. Not far from the historical center, nestled in the greenery, the beautiful Adventure Park of Cortina has various paths based on age and height. Fun is guaranteed.
- Trekking
Ideal for those coming to Cortina with family but also for groups of friends who want to spend a few hours having fun climbing among the trees. Not far from the historical center, nestled in the greenery, the beautiful Adventure Park of Cortina has various paths based on age and height. Fun is guaranteed.
WHERE TO EAT IN CORTINA
CULINARY SPECIALTIES OF CORTINA
Cortina boasts a lively culinary scene, with restaurants serving Italian and Tyrolean cuisine, sophisticated and exquisitely authentic with dishes typical of the region, game, mountain herbs, and fruits that grow spontaneously in its woods. The traditional dishes of the Ampezzo basin – and not only – can be enjoyed in the many restaurants, pizzerias, bars, refuges, and farmhouses.
- CASUNZIEI WITH RED TURNIPS
Certainly one of the dishes that characterize Ampezzo cuisine are the red turnip casunziei, a fine egg pasta that encloses a soft filling of red turnips. Served topped with melted butter, poppy seeds, and smoked ricotta, they are a true delight.
- Canederli
One of the symbolic dishes of the Dolomites are canederli. Canederli (semmelknoedel in German) are dumplings made from a mixture of stale bread and cured meats, cheeses. They are a first course, hearty and tasty, to be consumed in broth or dry topped with butter, sage, and parmesan. Canederli can be considered a “poor” dish; originally they were prepared using what was in the kitchen: stale bread, milk and eggs, and small pieces of cured meats and cheeses. Today they are enriched with speck, cheese and vegetables and have become gourmet!
- Spätzle
Spinach spätzle are the typical green Tyrolean dumplings, which are offered with a “classic” and irresistible dressing: speck, cream, and cheese. A simple and always appreciated recipe.
- Brazorà
A simple sweet focaccia intertwined and sprinkled with delicious sugar grains arranged in a circle or as a large braid.
- Carafoi
The carafoi are typical sweets prepared during the carnival period. They have different names depending on the area where they are prepared, so they will be chiacchiere in Milan, frappe in the Rome area, and carafoi in Cortina and in Ladin-speaking areas. There is an alcoholic component in the dough, they are then fried to become irresistible, fragrant and crumbly.
- Kaiser-schmarrn
Kaiser-schmarrn is the emperor’s dessert; with eggs, pine nuts, and raisins this sensational dessert has always cheered the inhabitants and guests of the Ampezzo valley!
NIGHTLIFE IN CORTINA
Cortina is renowned for its lively night scene; there’s no shortage of restaurants, wine bars, and entertainment venues.
- DINNER AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT
Savor the local cuisine in a cozy and characteristic setting:
Ristorante Tivoli: Via Roma, 62, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Il Vizietto: Via Cesare Battisti, 4, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- APERITIF IN THE SQUARE
Enjoy an aperitif in one of the central squares, immersed in a vibrant atmosphere:
Bar Enoteca Baita Fraina: Piazza Venezia, 9
Bar Sport Via Roma, 80.
- THEATER OR CINEMA
Cortina hosts theater performances and screens the latest movies in its dedicated venues.
Cinema Cristallo: Corso Italia, 221, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Teatro Comunale di Cortina: Piazza Gambino, 3, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- NIGHTTIME MOUNTAIN EXCURSIONS
The Cortina School of Mountaineering organizes night excursions to allow you to see natural beauty from a different perspective. For information, contact their office at Corso Italia 210.
- LIVE MUSIC
At many times of the year in Cortina, you can enjoy live music performances in cozy atmospheres.
La Suite 332: Via Roma, 332, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Hacker Pschorr Brewery: Via Franchetti, 12, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- STAR GAZING
In Cortina on clear evenings, it feels like you can touch the stars. Admiring the night sky from a place with little light pollution is an unforgettable experience. The perfect spot is the Pocol parking area, a tranquil place to enjoy the view of the stars.
EVENTS IN CORTINA
Throughout the year, numerous events are organized in Cortina
- FILM FESTIVAL
Cortina d’Ampezzo hosts the Film Festival, an annual event that attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. The festival features a selection of Italian and international films.
- GOLDEN CUP OF THE DOLOMITES
One of the stages of the international roadshow of the Golden Cup of the Dolomites was in Cortina D’Ampezzo. Cortina D’Ampezzo boasts a unique landscape for its objective beauty and for the geological and geomorphological importance of the surrounding mountains. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have been hosting the Golden Cup of the Dolomites since 1947, an event organized by the Automobile Club of Belluno and the Automobile Club of Italy, which sees numerous teams from as many as 9 different nations every year, including Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and non-European countries such as Japan, Argentina, and the United States of America.
ATTRACTIONS AND SURROUNDINGS
There are numerous attractions surrounding Cortina worth visiting, from Lake Misurina to Lake Sorapis, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which see a great many tourists each year.
