Below Marmolada, the highest peak of the Dolomites, lies a natural wonder: the Serrai di Sottoguda.
What are the Serrai di Sottoguda?
Formation of the gorge
It is a natural gorge, formed by erosion from the flow of the Pettorina stream (which still runs along its bottom) and which, starting from Sottoguda (a hamlet of the municipality of Rocca Pietore, in the province of Belluno), winds for about two kilometers, narrow between its sinuous walls hundreds of meters high.
When to visit the Serrai di Sottoguda?
They can be visited both in summer and winter, as they offer two very different spectacles: the wonder of the relentless erosion of the rock in summer, also accessible via the Trenino dei Serrai, and the magical play of light on the ice in winter. (With a bit of luck, you can even witness a torchlight procession inside the serrai, which turn gold in the light of the torches).
At the beginning of the Serrai (therefore downstream) there are two tunnels dating back to the First World War, used as storage for supplies and ammunition.
Once inside the Serrai, the relentless work of the water of the Pettorina is immediately evident, which has shaped the dolomite rock to create sinuous lines,
interspersed with the formation of natural caves. Continuing, you reach the Franzei waterfall, which, cascading, almost touches the road, offering an unprecedented spectacle.
What to see at the Serrai di Sottoguda?
Chiesetta Sant’Antonio da Padova
Also noteworthy is the tiny church on the side of the path, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, although it was once dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot, for the protection of the livestock of the various pastures in the area (it is said to have been built after a die-off).
Inside, you can see two frescoes, depicting St. Sebastian and St. Roch.
Just outside there is a plaque commemorating the war dead.
Grotta della Madonna
Further on, we can admire the Grotta della Madonna, inside which there is a statue of the Madonna, a bit like Lourdes, from which they were inspired for the placement.
Cable Car
Once out of the serrai, we find ourselves at Malga Ciapela, and therefore at the foot of the Marmolada. Here, if we want to add a touch of magic to our visit, we can take the cable car, which will take us from Malga Ciapela to Punta Rocca.
For more information, we leave you to the official website https://www.serraipark.it/i-serrai/
