Selva di Cadore

Discover Selva di Cadore, the pearl of the Dolomites

Hello friends, today I want to tell you about a beautiful town in the upper Veneto region: Selva di Cadore, also known by its Ladin name Selva de Ciadore. This municipality, with a population of approximately 501 inhabitants, is located in the province of Belluno, precisely in the Fiorentina valley. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about Selva, from its origins to its tourist activities.

Physical geography

Selva di Cadore is a small town surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Dolomites, famous worldwide for their beauty and geological significance. To the east is Mount Pelmo, one of the symbols of the province of Belluno, while to the south is Cima Fertazza and to the north is Mount Cernera. Selva is located in the valley of the Fiorentina stream, a tributary of the Cordevole river, which in turn flows into the Piave.

Selva di Cadore: the pearl of the Dolomites, history and tourist activities.

History

Origins

The territory of Selva di Cadore has been frequented since the Mesolithic period, as evidenced by the discovery of the Mondeval burial. This is an important find that testifies to the antiquity of human settlements in these areas.

Antiquity and Roman era

In the first millennium BC, the valley began to be frequented by shepherds who brought their flocks to graze in the higher areas of the valley. At this time, the territory of Selva belonged to the Regio X Venetia et Histria, as evidenced by the rock inscriptions present on the Civetta, Coldai and Col Davagnin mountains. These signs indicate that the Fiorentina Valley was assigned to the exploitation of pastures by the farmers of Cadore.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, human activity intensified and traditional activities were joined by those of loggers and mineral seekers. It was during this period that seasonal settlements turned into permanent ones. From this moment on, Selva began to take on the appearance that we know today.

Tourist activity

Today Selva di Cadore is a popular tourist destination both in summer and winter. There are several ski lifts that depart from the town of Pescul and connect to the ski slopes of Alleghe, Val di Zoldo and the entire Ski Monte Civetta ski consortium. Selva is also the starting point for reaching the Giau Pass, where you can find a chairlift that connects the Fedare Refuge to the Averau Refuge and the ski slopes at the foot of the Cinque Torri. In summer, Selva offers many opportunities for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Conclusions

The beauty of Selva di Cadore and the surrounding mountains is hard to describe in words. It is a magical destination that offers unique emotions in all seasons of the year. The history and culture of the area merge with modernity and attention to tourism, creating a perfect mix of past and future. I hope to have convinced you to come and discover Selva di Cadore, the pearl of the Dolomites!

Alessandro Romano
Updated Monday, Mar 21, 2022