Falcade
Welcome to Falcade
Hello everyone! Today we will take you on a journey to discover Falcade, a beautiful tourist destination located at the western end of the Biois Valley, in the province of Belluno, Veneto. With its 1805 inhabitants, Falcade is an area characterized by important Dolomite peaks that make it famous even during the winter.
Let's explore the physical geography of Falcade
The territory
The Biois Valley is a sunny basin surrounded by extensive coniferous forests. Falcade is the main tourist town in the area and is located in this beautiful basin. To the south, this area is dominated by the Pale di San Martino with the Focobon group and Mount Mulaz, while to the north there are the Marmolada with the Costabella range, Sasso di Valfredda and Cime d'Auta. To the east, instead, we can admire Mount Civetta and Mount Pelmo.
The climate
The climate of Falcade is predominantly alpine, with cold and snowy winters and mild summers.
The origin of the name Falcade
The toponym Falcade seems to derive from the Latin "falcare", which means to mow, indicating an area rich in well-manicured meadows where one can mow. In the past, the idea was widespread that the name Falcade derived from the existence of a castle placed to guard the valley, but this was a paraetymology.
The history of Falcade
Falcade has ancient origins. This territory began to be inhabited in the year 1000, when a group of settlers established itself attracted by the forest resources and the isolated position, sheltered from invasions. In the thirteenth century, Falcade was already connected to the valleys of Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme through the San Pellegrino pass, thus assuming importance as a commercial transit zone. On the same pass, in 1358, a hospice for travelers was built. In this historical period, the community began to organize itself in a rural municipality, an institution governed by the heads of families, who directly administered public assets. Despite these important activities, the area was never able to escape the invasions of passing armies. Over the centuries, the territory was devastated by various invasions: it was hit by the troops of Filippo Maria Visconti in 1439, by those of Sigismondo d'Austria in 1487, and between 1508 and 1510 by the rough raids of the Austrian condottiere Leonardo Felzer. The political stability following the War of the League of Cambrai did not stop friction with neighboring Trentine communities, which carried out continuous territorial usurpations in the upper part of the valley.
Falcade today
Falcade has become a renowned tourist destination that offers numerous attractions both in summer and winter. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Dolomites, go for relaxing walks in nature, choose trekking, ski and practice other winter sports, or simply relax and admire the beauty of the landscape.
Summer activities
In the summer period, Falcade offers many activities, including walking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. You can also take a cable car ride to admire the panoramic view of the area or visit the archaeological sites in the area.
Winter activities
Falcade is the perfect place for lovers of skiing, mountaineering, and snow walks. Here you can find different ski slopes, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, as well as winter hiking trails. There is also a ski school for beginners.
Conclusion
Falcade is a surprising tourist destination with a fascinating territory, where you can enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Dolomites. With so much to do in a break from the hectic city life, this town can offer activities for all tastes. We hope you have the opportunity to visit it one day!
