Discover what to do in Pieve di Cadore in Provincia di Belluno: Colle San Dionisio, Capanna Tita Panciera, Rifugio Antelao. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Pieve di Cadore?
The municipality of Pieve di Cadore borders north with Calalzo di Cadore, south Perarolo di Cadore, southeast with Cimolais, southwest with Valle di Cadore, east with Domegge di Cadore and Cimolais, west with Vodo di Cadore.
Hike in Pieve di Cadore
From Pozzale to Colle San Dionisio
The starting point of the route is Piazza Margherita in the historic center of Pozzale, an enchanting little village dotted with ancient alpine houses in stone and wood. Set in the heart of the Dolomites of Cadore, the welcoming settlement blends harmoniously with the wooded slopes of Monte Zucco to the south, Lake di Cadore to the east, Colle San Dionisio to the west and Monte Tranego to the north.
From the square, we continue north along Via Centrale and Via Sopracolle in the direction of the Old Church of Sant’Antonio. The facade of the place of worship, austere and unadorned on the outside, faces southwest toward a well-kept garden, adorned with a cypress tree and geraniums framed by low stone walls veiled in moss. Worth noting is the charming stone bell tower, incorporated into the north wall of the sacred building.
We continue along Via Sopracolle for about 350 metres until we reach the junction with signs for Rifugio Prapiccolo and Rifugio Antelao. We take the road on our left and head into the fir forest that covers the slope. The first part of the route runs on paved road, then continues almost entirely on a dirt road.
Scenic Views from Monte Tranego
Without technical difficulties, the route features some steep stretches that can be challenging for poorly trained hikers. Once you reach the summit of Monte Tranego, the effort of the walk is rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake di Cadore, a cold Dolomite body of water overlooked by the solemn rocky peaks of Spalti del Toro and Monte Duranno.
In spring and summer, the undergrowth shaded by majestic conifers fills with vivid flowering species such as Saponaria ocymoides, with its characteristic deep pink color, as well as white lilies, buttercups and beardwort. From the privileged position of Tranego, rising to 1849 metres above sea level, you cannot help but be struck by the imposing rocky mass of Monte Antelao standing out on the horizon.
From Capanna Tita Panciera to Colle Dionisio
The next stop along the route is Capanna Tita Panciera, recently renovated, where there is a fountain carved from a trunk from which drinking water flows. Located at 1693 metres above sea level, the mountain hut is nestled in Forcella Antracisa, a bright hollow between Monte Tranego and Colle Dionisio.
From Colle San Dionisio to Rifugio Antelao
A short distance from the refuge, we deviate a few metres to the left from the road leading to Rifugio Antelao and follow the signs that, in about half an hour, lead to Colle Dionisio. The grassy path leads to a rather narrow ledge and to an area affected by a landslide, before any protection. Particular care is required when crossing a slightly wobbly wooden footbridge.
After ringing the bell of the Chiesetta di San Dionisio and enjoying the extraordinary mountain panorama from the top of the homonymous hill, an unmissable destination for photography enthusiasts wondering what to do in Pieve di Cadore, we set off again towards Rifugio Antelao (1796 metres above sea level), reachable via trail 251.
The way back
Once back at Capanna Tita Panciera, continue south along trail 250 towards Pozzale, passing Rifugio Pra Piccolo (closed), at 1400 metres above sea level, from where you can admire the Marmarole group. Here the forest trail ends and the road back to the center of Pozzale begins. If you are wondering what to do in Pieve di Cadore, this itinerary is recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the fairy-tale, timeless atmosphere of ancient woods and admire some of the most captivating panoramas of Cadore.
