San Vito di Cadore
Welcome to San Vito di Cadore!
San Vito di Cadore is a small town with a charming geographical location in the province of Belluno in Veneto. With a population of approximately 1,936 inhabitants, San Vito is located in a basin surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Belluno Dolomites, including the magnificent Antelao, Pelmo, Sorapiss, and Marmarole. The nature surrounding the town is made up of meadows and mixed coniferous and deciduous forests crossed by the Boite stream, which gives its name to the Boite Valley.
History
The first document attesting to the existence of San Vito dates back to 1203. However, it is believed that a stable settlement dates back to the year 1000 when people moved seasonally for grazing and logging. By 1200, the presence of a church in San Vito was already presumed. Although organizing forms similar to the Regole were present earlier, these institutions were codified only in the late Middle Ages. The Festornigo Regola (organization) is mentioned for the first time in the Statuti cadorini of 1239, the oldest in Cadore. There will then be a second regulation, that of Mondeval: from the merger of the two regulations, the current organization will be born in 1949. Throughout ancient and medieval history, San Vito, like the rest of Cadore, remained firmly connected with Friuli, on which it depended both politically and religiously. Only during the late Middle Ages did Cadore move away from direct rule by the Patriarchs of Aquileia, being entrusted to the da Camino in fief, while remaining inserted within the Patriarchy of Friuli.
In the early 16th century, it appears that a battle took place in the area of Cimabanche, in Ampezzo, between patriarchal troops and those of Sigismund of Luxembourg, resolved in favor of the former. It is said that the victory was obtained thanks to a Voto (religious vow) to the Madonna, which also guaranteed that the Cadore towns would be spared from war. Thus arose the church of Difesa, in fulfillment of this vow. In 1420, with the conquest of the Patriarchy of Aquileia by Venice, all the territories subject to it passed under Venetian domination, including Cadore with San Vito. However, this did not dissolve the centuries-old ties with Friuli, to which the Cadore territories continued to be linked religiously and administratively until the 19th century.
In 1752, Cortina d'Ampezzo (then under the Habsburgs) and San Vito (part of the Republic of Venice) had a dispute over high-altitude borders, and the authorities decided that the Sanvitesi should build, at their own expense and in just ninety days, a wall almost two kilometers long and 1.80 meters high, made possible by the commitment of the village residents. The wall is still visible on the spot, as are many of the border crosses, such as those at the foot of the Nuvolau Group and the Lastoni di Formin.
Tourist attractions
San Vito is an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts, both in winter and summer. The city is surrounded by countless trails and bike paths, with breathtaking views of the beautiful Dolomite landscape, where mountain biking enthusiasts, hikers, climbers, skiers, and snowboarders can appreciate the region's natural beauty. Additionally, in San Vito, there are several tourist attractions such as the Parish Church of San Vito and the Parish Church of San Marco, an extraordinary place for its history and architectural appearance. The Church of San Giovanni Bosco is another architectural masterpiece of the municipality. The surrounding area of the city can offer activities such as rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, spas, and thermal pools to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Accommodation and dining
San Vito offers a wide range of accommodation options from pensions and bed & breakfasts to hotels with breathtaking mountain views. There are also some excellent restaurants offering local and international cuisine for all tastes. The "Ristorante El Pael" offers traditional cuisine, the Pizzeria "Mezzaluna" serves excellent pizzas, and the "Ristorante Il Gufo" is another pleasant restaurant where you can try local specialties.
Conclusion
San Vito di Cadore is an ideal tourist destination for outdoor activities and nature lovers, with many things to do for all tastes. The municipality offers a great variety of accommodations and excellent restaurants, with the addition of an important history and cultural heritage. Come and discover the wonders of San Vito di Cadore, happy to welcome you to our beautiful municipality!
