The ancient inhabitants of Belluno have always regarded the mountains as a mysterious and sometimes even dangerous place. To give an explanation for the numerous natural phenomena that were unknown at the time, the local people passed down a number of legends that have since changed over time. According to the scholar Giuliano Palmieri, a Ladin legend, the tale of the Delibana, gave rise to the famous fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, imported into Germany by the Grimm brothers and later reworked.
The legend is in fact set in Colle Santa Lucia, in the Fursil mines where seven miner dwarfs are said to have lived. In order to ensure a continuous supply of iron to the vein of the earth, every seven years a delibana (a young virgin) was locked up in the underground realm; this was possible until one maiden decided to sacrifice herself for the others, thus depleting the deposit.
The story thus explains the rich presence of manganesiferous siderite in the deposits of the Dolomites, particularly in the Fursil mines. These mines have been an example of an established economy in Colle Santa Lucia since the first mining activities around 1100. In fact, under the rule of the Serenissima, the extracted mineral was used to produce cutting objects and forged beautiful swords, some of which ended up in the collections of noble Spanish and English families.
Today, the ancient mines are open to tourists who wish to experience the industrial route that has enriched and distinguished the valley. To book a group visit, consult the website of the Istitut Cultural Ladin Cesa de Jan and immerse yourself in the mysterious plot that gave life to the Snow White fairy tale.
In collaboration with Monica Sandi,
Culture and Tourism Office, Territorial School-Work Alternation Chamber of Commerce of Treviso – Belluno|Dolomites
Translated by Dr. Giada Gubert
Intern at the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso – Belluno |Dolomites
