Gosaldo
Gosaldo: a municipality in the Belluno Dolomites
Gosaldo is a municipality located in the province of Belluno, in the beautiful scenery of the Belluno Dolomites. With its 518 inhabitants, Gosaldo is a scattered municipality; the municipal seat is located in the hamlet of Gosaldo## Don.
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Gosaldo extends in a basin at the foot of the Pale di San Martino, and presents a considerable difference in altitude, ranging from 450 meters of Stua to 2478 meters of the Croda Granda summit. The most famous peaks belong to the Alpine sub-group of Croda Granda, but the mountains located to the south should not be underestimated.
The watercourses of the territory all belong to the Mis stream basin. The inhabited areas of Don, Selle, Stalliviere, and Sarasin present a very high hydrogeological risk due to landslide phenomena. Also, the main communication routes, SR 347 and SP 3 near Tiser, are exposed to these phenomena. Furthermore, some landscape areas of interest such as the magnificent Torond Lake peatlands, located just beyond the border with Voltago Agordino, are protected as a special protection area and site of community interest.
Climate
The climate of Gosaldo presents abundant snowfall, which can increase the avalanche risk; however, there are no dangerous situations for the municipalities' inhabited centers.
History
Documented since 1148 as Agosaltum, the toponym of Gosaldo could derive from the Germanic name "Gausoald". In the past, Gosaldo represented a border location between Belluno and Primiero (already part of the bishopric of Feltre, and then annexed to the County of Tyrol), and fortifications were built.
The town was severely hit by the flood of November 4, 1966, which swept away many hamlets, including California. Communication routes were interrupted, and some of them were restored only thirty years later. These events caused a rapid demographic decline in the town.
Extractive activities from the XVIII to the XX century
As in the neighboring municipalities of Sagron Mis and Rivamonte Agordino, the economy of Gosaldo has been based for centuries on mining, mainly of mercury.
In conclusion, Gosaldo represents a fascinating place, immersed in nature, and has been the subject of various historical events that have deeply characterized its territory. If you are passionate about nature and history, Gosaldo is the place for you!
