Candide: Experiences to Live During Your Holidays

Candide is the  oldest village in Comelico Superiore .
Its documented history dates back to  1186 , when the Counts of Camino, feudal lords of Cadore, signed the deed of sale of  Monte Ombrio  to the village’s inhabitants: a fundamental step that testifies to the ancient community organization and strong ties to the territory.

Over the centuries, Candide was repeatedly struck by destructive fires, but always managed to rebound, maintaining its  privileged panoramic position overlooking the valley.
Even today, the village retains a compact and harmonious layout, made up of historic buildings, intimate spaces, and open views of the Dolomites, which testify to its central role in the history of Comelico.

Candide also hosts the  municipal seat , confirming its administrative and cultural importance in the area.

Sacred art and architecture

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

The parish church of Candide is of  ancient origin .
The current building dates back to the  second half of the eighteenth century  and was built to a design by  Felice Del Fabbro . The parish was established in  1636 , while the curacy is even older.

Inside, an organ of great historical value is preserved  , making the church a destination for scholars, musicians, and sacred art enthusiasts. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta represents one of the spiritual and artistic landmarks of Comelico Superiore.

Church of Sant’Antonio Abate

Adjacent to the parish church stands the  little church of Sant’Antonio Abate , built in the sixteenth century by  Master Nicolò Roupel , who signed himself “murador de Carnia”.

Although built in the Renaissance period, the small church still retains  architectural features of late-medieval Gothic style , a distinctive feature of the sacred art of the valley, which remained isolated from Italian artistic trends for a long time.

Historic buildings and the village center

In the heart of Candide there are important civil buildings that testify to the splendor of the ancient local families:

• Casa Gera  (17th century), a severe, square building, belonged to one of the most influential families in Comelico. Among its members were Bartolomeo Gera, bishop of Feltre until 1681, and Giacomo Gera, owner of the historic  Stua on the Padola stream in 1635 .
• Casa Monti-Giacobbi , also from the seventeenth century, located in the immediate vicinity and of great architectural interest.

In the square there is also the  Alpine Garden of Candide , a small green space that enriches the historic center and invites you to stop and rest.

Candide is  a stop on the Cammino delle Dolomiti , set in an ideal context for slow walking, among villages, churches and historic paths.

One of the most significant cultural and religious itineraries in Comelico connects:
Dosoledo – Casamazzagno – Candide , a path that unites sacred art, landscape and community memory.

Candide is part of a true  Renaissance artistic itinerary  that includes:

• Old San Leonardo in Casamazzagno
• Saint Anthony the Abbot in Candide

Both churches, built by  Master Nicolò Roupel , represent an artistic unicum: although belonging to the Renaissance, they maintain Gothic-medieval forms and solutions, testifying to the geographical and cultural isolation of the valley.

The itinerary ideally concludes with an  open-air contemporary art experience , along the themed paths of Comelico.

Troi dli Tradizion / Candide-Dosoledo

The  Troi dli Tradizion  is a thematic trail that tells the story of Comelico’s most ancient traditions through  larch wood sculptures  created by local artists.

Along the way you will discover: the  Rule , the  Bonfire of the Muta in mid-Lent , the conscripts’ cart, the processions, the Ardoia, the sound of the  ciampanotti  during the Christmas period.

A walk immersed in nature that restores the deep soul of the valley.

From Auronzo di Cadore to Candide

A long and fascinating itinerary that passes through the landscapes, villages, and iconic places of Comelico.

Main hotspots

• Church of the Fallen of  Cima Vallona
• Panorama of the  Popera Group
• Costalta, Ladin cultural center
• View of the  Val Visdende  and Mount  Peralba , where the Piave River originates

Possible alternative route to the  Church of the Madonna della Neve in Pra Marino , visited by John Paul II.

• in Cortina d’Ampezzo, home of the Milan – Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games: ∼km
• in Belluno: ∼km
• in Treviso: ∼km
• at Treviso  Antonio Canova Airport : ∼km
• in Venice: ∼km
• to Venice  Marco Polo Airport  : ∼km

Find out how to get there by bus here

Candide is a village where  history, art, faith, and tradition  coexist in perfect harmony.
It’s an ideal place for those seeking authentic Comelico, with its slow paths, centuries-old churches, historic buildings, and trails that tell the story of the valley.

On the  website  you can find typical recipes from the valley – a journey of taste that complements any experience in nature.

Tobolo Bar

• Sacco Clemente & Luciano Antiquities
• DiModà Hairdresser
  
• Festini Severino snc 
• Hairdresser Mery and Katia of Alfare’ Lovo Mery
• Anna Aesthetics – Beauty Center
• Gone with the Wind Boutique – Clothing Store
• De Monte Nuto Maria Carmen – Shoe Shop
• De Monte Faginto Stefania Holistic Professional Operator specialized in body and energy techniques
• Dolomitica Funeral Services Srl – Comelico Superiore
• Sacco Alberto Antiques – Antiques Shop
• Sacco Alessandro Furniture – Carpentry
• Comel Optik – Optician
• Quick A&O – Grocery Store
• Comelico Pharmacy by Candide-Mattiuzzi Dr. Pietro
• LAVASECCO B. GROUP SRL CANDIDE
• Comelico Pyrotechnics
• Grooming

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

• Val Comelico Ski Area : reach  Padola  and discover the  Val Comelico Ski Area , an Alpine gem that opens the doors to the world’s largest ski carousel. The Padola Ski Area is your gateway to the  3 Cime Dolomiti / Alta Pusteria ski area  (over 115 km of slopes). It is connected to the rest of the Sesto Dolomites circuit by a ski bus ( SALTO Ski Shuttle ).
• From here, you can take the chairlift to the  Col d’la Tenda refuge  , a transit point for the evocative ” Giro delle Cime ” itinerary, an experience with views of the  UNESCO Sesto Dolomites  . Spectacular views open up along the route: Croda da Campo, Cima Bagni, Monte Popèra, Cima Undici, Croda Rossa, all the way to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cima Dodici, and Tre Scarperi.

Interesting fact: this trail holds a record, being the only ski itinerary to connect two continentally significant river basins: the  Piave (Belluno side) and the Drava–Danube  system   (Alta Pusteria side).

The  Padola Ski School  offers group and private lessons for all levels, from beginners to experts.

For equipment rental, we recommend  Noleggio Sci Costantino  and  Ski Carving Center,  both in Padola.

Discover the area on the  map !

Cross-country skiing

The Comelico Valley is part of the  Dolomiti Nordic Ski circuit , the largest Nordic ski carousel in Europe. You’ll find groomed trails, loops of varying difficulty, and views alternating between forests, villages, and views of the Dolomites.

 Trail  information and  updates are available through the local consortium  and area representatives. Find the route that’s right for you  here !

Ski mountaineering

Ski mountaineering is one of the most sustainable ways to experience the mountains in winter: no lifts, no energy consumption, just the rhythm of your steps and the silence of the snow.
It allows you to rediscover the mountains in their most authentic essence, following their natural contours and original morphologies.

On the Comelico Outdoor  portal,  you’ll find numerous marked itineraries, with varying levels of difficulty and views ranging from the Sesto Dolomites to the peaks of the Popera.

Snowshoeing and winter trekking 

The Snowshoe Hike on Spina

An iconic route that follows the rocky ridge of the  Spina , a place of enormous geological interest. The route starts in  Casamazzagno , passing by the Church of  San Leonardo Vecchio , until reaching  trail marker 148. From here, unrepeatable views open up of the  Popera Group , the  Brentoni  , and the mountains that form the border between Italy and Austria.

• Don’t miss the  recommended experiences,  including guided moonlight excursions (organized by the  Val Comelico Consortium ).

Ice climbing

For adrenaline junkies, Val Comelico transforms into an open-air gym. Ice climbing enthusiasts will find numerous  icefalls  to safely scale (always accompanied by  expert Alpine Guides ).

Ice skating

Sleddog

For an unforgettable experience, you can experience  sled dog  riding and drive a sled pulled by Siberian Huskies across the snowy plains, accompanied by an   expert musher .  For information .

And much more…

This collection of activities is just a taste.
The Comelico Valley is a vibrant, ever-evolving valley, and this page will be  updated over time  with new itineraries, new suggestions, and new discoveries to share!

To not miss the events, check  here.

(Data according to the official Val Comelico Dolomiti tourist website)

The difficulty of the trails may vary depending on the season and hiking experience.

Easy and panoramic walks  (difficulty T)

Ideal for families and first-time explorers of the area.

Path of Traditions (Trói dli Tradizion) : thematic walk (30 min) between Candide and Dosoledo, with wooden sculptures representing the ancient works of the Comelico Valley.

Dosoledo’s themed trails : don’t miss the other trails!   Mascri,  Tradizion  , and  Bacani!  Great year-round for combining nature and culture.

Via dei Fienili – Dosoledo : a cultural itinerary among eleven  historic tabià  , rural courtyards, and period photographs.

Monte Zovo:  An easy route between Costalissoio and Costa, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the valley’s center, overlooking all the villages of the Comelico area. (Duration: 2.5 hours / Elevation gain: 400 m).  Starting point:  Costa, road to Monte Zovo.

Monte Spina:  A short but pleasant hike to the summit, where you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Popera Dolomites and the Digon Valley. (Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes / Elevation gain: 400 m).  Starting point:  Casamazzagno, Le Federe.

Queen of the Val Comuna : short route from Val Grande to admire the largest Norway spruce in the Tri-Veneto region (50 metres high).

The Aga Puza Spring:  A nature trail immersed in the woods of Valgrande that leads to the famous  Aga Puža thermal spring , known as the “stinking water” due to its sulfur content, with healing properties. (Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes / Elevation gain: 126 m).  Starting point:  Kral Ladin Padola.

Lago di Campo :  a simple and pleasant walk that offers an enchanting view, ideal for families.

Music Trail:  an ideal route for an easy, flat walk where you can admire beautiful wooden sculptures, including a band of musicians, created by local artist Giorgio Osta.

Casera Aiarnola, Lake Aiarnola, and Lake Sant’Anna:  water is the star of this itinerary! At the foot of Cima Aiarnola, near the Casera, you’ll reach the scenic little church dedicated to Sant’Anna. (Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes / Elevation gain: 450 m).  Starting point:  Padola.

Padola – Danta:  A route that uncovers the beauty of religious art and the spiritual power of nature, passing through the  Church of Sant’Anna  (in Padola) and the  Church of Santa Barbara  (in Danta). (Duration: 2 hours / Elevation gain: 40 m).  Starting point:  Church of Sant’Anna, Padola.

Danta Bogs:  In about an hour’s walk, you can embark on a true journey into biodiversity! (Duration: 2 hours 25 minutes / Elevation gain: 203 m).  Starting point:  Piazza Danta.  A dedicated audio guide is available   .

Intermediate excursions  (difficulty E)

Longer, more structured routes, suitable for those with a minimum level of training.

Coltrondo and Nemes from Passo Monte Croce (Loop):  A beautiful panoramic loop trail leading to the Coltrondo and Nemes refuges. (Duration: 3.5 hours / Elevation gain: 400-450 m).

Colesei Peak – Monte Croce Comelico Pass:  a route of naturalistic, geological, and historical interest, where you can admire the  Dolomite rocks  and the imposing  Vallo Littorio.  (Duration: 5.5 hours / Elevation gain: 690 m).  Refreshment point:  Lunelli Refuge.

Vallon Popèra:  A circular route that retraces the key sites of the Great War, passing by the old Rifugio Sala (now a museum) and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. (Duration: 3 hours / Elevation gain: 450 m).  Refreshment point:  Rifugio Berti.

Col Quaternà:  a trail that combines geology and history. Here you can observe ancient rocks and note the traces of Italian military posts from the Great War. The summit was even reached by Pope Karol Wojtyla. (Duration: 4 hours / Elevation gain: 640 m).  Refreshment point:  Malga Coltrondo.

Val Visdende Loop:  A wonderful circular route that will allow you to immerse yourself in the valley’s ancient woods and observe its ancient villages. (Duration: 3 hours / Elevation gain: 547 m).  Starting point:  Cima Canale Val Visdende.

More challenging / high altitude excursions  (EE difficulty)

Routes recommended for those with good preparation and adequate equipment.

Cima Colesei – Creston Popera:  A challenging route, rich in relics of the Great War. It skirts the main peaks of the Dolomites. (Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes / Elevation gain: 666 m).  Refreshment points:  Rifugio Lunelli and Rifugio Berti.

Monte Cavallino:  a long route in a high mountain environment, accessed from Val Digon. (Duration: 4.5 hours / Elevation gain: 1000 m)  Starting point:  Val Digon

Great War Itineraries:  numerous historic high-altitude routes, with trenches, emplacements, tunnels, and paths that require specific preparation.

The Dolomites Trail : For those who love spiritual and slow trekking, Candide is a must-see destination that combines art and landscape. This multi-  stage itinerary  passes through iconic locations such as  Mulin Berto ,  Cima Vallona  , ​​and the  Sources of the Piave River . Adequate physical preparation is required for the following sections: Auronzo → Candide – Candide → Val Visdende – Val Visdende → Sappada.

Discover   some of the hiking trails in Val Comelico  here and visit the social media profile  managed by the Val Comelico Dolomiti Tourist Consortium to discover excursions accompanied by mountain and nature guides!

Iconic places  not to be missed near the village:

Danta Torbiere:  a natural area known for its high biodiversity and the presence of rare plants.

Col Quaternà:  recognizable by its conical shape of volcanic origin, it is a geological and historical landmark, with ancient rocks and traces of the Great War.

Val Visdende:  “Nature’s temple,” an unspoiled place where the Piave River originates.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo:  the absolute symbol of the Dolomites, just a short drive from Comelico.

Refuges and mountain huts reachable from Candide and the surrounding area

Always check the opening dates and the accessibility of the routes

Reachable with easy or intermediate walks

The information about Dosoledo doesn’t end here… keep following us for more  unpublished news for your mountain holidays , to discover new villages, routes, traditions and activities.