Auronzo di Cadore
Auronzo di Cadore: a municipality in Veneto
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk about Auronzo, a municipality in Veneto with a population of around 3,000 people. It is located in the province of Belluno and is mainly famous for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the symbols of the Dolomites.
Physical geography
The territory of Auronzo is very extensive and includes different locations, including Cima Gogna and Misurina (where the beautiful Lake Misurina is located). The town is crossed by the Ansiei stream, which forms the artificial lake of Santa Caterina (better known as the lake of Auronzo) thanks to the dam built in 1932. The lake also flows through the town and is 3 km long before it flows into the Piave river.
Climate
The climate of Auronzo is typical of mountain areas, with cold and snowy winters and pleasantly cool summers.
Origin of the name
Although the name Auronzo has pre-Roman origins, it is not known with certainty where it comes from. Some theories relate it to the "Eboruntii" or "Aboruntii", ancient inhabitants of Cadore.
History
From the Veneti to the Romans
There are few documents attesting to the presence of Roman populations in the Val d'Ansiei, but in recent years important archaeological discoveries have been made demonstrating a presence dating back to the 2nd century BC. Today it is possible to visit the archaeological site of Mount Calvary, behind the church of Santa Giustina in Villagrande, an active place of worship until the 4th century AD.
The "porteà" of the pagans
In the hamlet of Malon, you can see the remains of an ancient "pagan" cemetery, so called because of the fragments of pre-Roman terracotta found on the site. Here you can admire imposing dry stone walls and terraces called "altars of the pagans".
Auronzo di Cadore is a place rich in history and natural beauty. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you won't regret it!
