Longarone
Welcome to Longarone: the town of rebirth
Longarone is a town in the province of Belluno, Veneto, with a population of around 5,037 inhabitants. Longarone is situated along the Piave valley and is surrounded by the Dolomite mountains. The town is famous mainly because it was completely destroyed by the Vajont disaster on October 9, 1963, which resulted in the death of over 1,900 people. But Longarone is much more than that. Join us in discovering this historic and reborn town.
Physical Geography
The municipality of Longarone is located south of the Belluno Valley, north of the municipality of Ospitale di Cadore, west of the Maè stream canal, and east of the Cellina Valley. It is part of the Belluno Dolomites National Park and the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Hydrography
Longarone is crossed by the Piave River and its main tributaries are the Desedan, Maè, and Vajont streams, while the Gallina stream and lake are fed by underground sources.
Climate
The climate of Longarone is alpine, with harsh winters and cool summers.
History
The territory of Longarone was inhabited since Roman times, but it was during the medieval period that it became an important episcopal center. In 1420, it became part of the Republic of Venice and was under Venetian influence for centuries. During the Napoleonic period, Longarone became a municipality and in 1866 was annexed to Italy. During World War I, the town was the scene of a major battle, in which the future German general Erwin Rommel was involved.
In December 1959, Longarone started the first Gelato Fair, which has become one of the most important trade fairs in Italy and represents an important economic engine for the area.
The Vajont disaster
On October 9, 1963, the Vajont disaster shook Longarone. A landslide detached from the Toc mountain, in front of Erto and Casso, and fell into the artificial basin of the Vajont dam, becoming a wave that overwhelmed the village below, destroying it and causing over 1,900 deaths, of which 1,458 were only in Longarone. After the tragedy, the town was rebuilt and today is a symbol of rebirth.
Symbols of the Municipality
The Municipality of Longarone has its coat of arms and flag granted by the President of the Italian Republic on October 20, 2014. The flag is a red and white split cloth, while the coat of arms recalls the figure of the Madonna and Child and the religious tradition of the town.
The Economy and Culture of Longarone
Longarone is known not only for the Gelato Fair but also for its artisanal vocation, especially in the furniture, ceramic, and wood processing sectors. The town's craftsmen are famous worldwide for their skill and creativity. Tourism is another important economic factor for Longarone, thanks to its location in the heart of the Dolomites.
The town hosts the International Artisanal Gelato Fair (MIG), which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The fair is an opportunity to taste delicious artisanal ice creams made by local producers, some of whom have been operating in the sector for over a century.
Conclusion
Longarone is a municipality with a very ancient and important history, but is mainly known for the Vajont disaster. The town was completely destroyed, but thanks to its ability to recover, today it is a symbol of rebirth and hope. Longarone is a place where art, culture, tradition, and tourism blend together in a unique mix that makes it an ideal destination for all those who love the beauty, history, and nature of the Dolomites.
