Val d’Oten and Val Talagona – Centro Cadore – discovering Pieve, Calalzo, Domegge, Lozzo, and Perarolo

The Cadore Center, the historical and geographical heart of the region, winds along the Piave river and includes the villages of Pieve, Calalzo, Domegge, Valle, and Perarolo. Located at an altitude of about 800-900 meters, it extends around the basin of Lake Cadore Center, created by the damming of the Piave river.

This is where the Boite Valley (which descends from Cortina d’Ampezzo) and the Piave Valley (which descends from Comelico) meet, creating a unique landscape!

These villages, located along the lake shore, serve as gateways to narrower and wilder side valleys: from Calalzo station, you can climb up the majestic Val d’Oten, dominated by Antelao, while from Domegge you can access the quiet Val Talagona, nestled between the Marmarole and Spalti di Toro mountains.

Now that the curtains have closed on the 2026 Winter Olympics (which ended on February 22), the Dolomites remain in the global spotlight, and Centro Cadore is the perfect place for those who want to experience the lasting spirit of the Games in the authentic heart of the mountains.

Beyond the excitement of the competitions, there is a world of history and nature waiting to be discovered!

Pieve di Cadore (Pièe): Cultural capital at 878 m. Titian was born here in 1480. The center is an archaeological treasure trove: excavations near the Town Hall and Gran Caffè Tiziano have unearthed Roman artifacts, coins from Constantine, and the famous statuette of Diana the Huntress. Its hamlets (Tai, Pozzale, Nebbiù, and Sottocastello) offer unique itineraries, such as the murals of Pozzale or the Sentiero del Gufo (Owl Trail) in Sottocastello.

Tai is a lively commercial center, Pozzale will amaze you with its murals and pre-Roman necropolises, while Sottocastello and Nebbiù are starting points for iconic excursions such as the Antelao Refuge or the Vedorcia balcony.

Calalzo di Cadore (Cialàuso): At 806 m, it is known for its eyewear industry and railway station, a vital hub for the area. In addition to the Val d’Oten, which leads to the foot of Antelao and the Marmarole (Chiggiato and Galassi refuges), it is home to the Lagole site, where archaeology and nature merge with thermal springs known for their healing properties. Don’t miss the historic village of Rizzios, which preserves the original Cadore architecture intact.

For trekking enthusiasts, from Calalzo you can climb up the Val d’Oten to Praciadelan, where the trails to the Capanna degli Alpini, the Chiggiato Refuge, and the Galassi Refuge begin.

Domegge di Cadore: Stretching out along the lake at 775 m, it is surrounded by spectacular peaks such as Cridola and Montanel. The Via Crucis in the woods leads to the Hermitage of Romiti on Monte Froppa. The Church of San Giorgio houses works by Marco Vecellio (Titian’s nephew) and the sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie della Molinà. From here, you can access the wild Val Talagona and the Padova and Cercenà mountain huts.

Lozzo di Cadore (753 m): famous for its Roggia dei Mulini, an industrial archaeology trail that tells the story of how water once powered factories and forges. From Lozzo, climb up to the Pian dei Buoi plateau, an extraordinary natural balcony offering a 360° view of the Dolomites and home to the forts of the Great War (Col Vidal).

Perarolo di Cadore: Located at 532 m at the confluence of the Boite and Piave rivers. A historic center for the timber trade under the Venetian Republic thanks to the Cidolo (a log dam). Today, you can visit the Cidolo and Timber Museum in Palazzo Lazzaris! It is also home to Val Montina, an unspoiled wilderness area, and the remains of the First World War fortifications of Col Vaccher.

Interesting fact: it was so important that it was nicknamed “Villa Reale” because it was a holiday destination for Queen Margherita of Savoy (who stayed at Palazzo Lazzaris).

• Lagole: healing waters (Calalzo): A trail among mineral water springs rich in sulfates, calcium, and magnesium, already known to the Paleoveneti for their therapeutic properties (sinusitis, rhinitis, and skin treatments). Lago de le Tose is the heart of this magical forest that smells of sulfur.
• Fort of Montericco and Roccolo Park (Pieve): A 10-minute walk from the center leads to the fort (renovated in 2017), which hosts art exhibitions. From Roccolo Park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley.
• The Murals of Pozzale: An open-air art trail where the walls of the houses tell the story of the daily life and traditions of the mountain people.
• Tour of the Ospitale dairies: A relaxing walk through pastures and ancient rural structures.
• Walk from Pozzale to Venàs: A trail connecting the hamlets with views of the Boite Valley.
• Sottocastello Dam and Sentiero del Gufo (Owl Trail): Total immersion in silence and unspoiled nature.
• La Roggia dei Mulini (Lozzo): Historical and educational trail among the ancient factories in the center.

Spiritual trails

• Eremo dei Romiti (Domegge): Climb up Monte Froppa along the Via Crucis (about 1 hour). Unparalleled view!
• Val d’Oten (Calalzo): Excursion to the Capanna degli Alpini, the Cascata delle Pile waterfall, and the Rifugio Galassi mountain hut, in the shadow of Mount Antelao.
• Santuario della Molinà: A jewel dating back to 1510, a spiritual stop between Domegge and Calalzo.
• Sass di Mezzodì: Classic panoramic hike above Pozzale.

For experienced hikers

• Il Balcone di Vedorcia: Spectacular views of the Spalti di Toro.
• Rifugio Antelao and Rifugio Tita Barba: Trekking
• Pian dei Buoi and Forte Col Vidal (Lozzo): Hike offering unique views and military history.
• Val Montina (Perarolo): Trekking in the only certified wilderness area in the region.
• Col Vaccher (Perarolo): Here you can discover the remains of fortifications from the Great War.
• Rifugio Galassi and Rifugio Chiggiato: Ideal destinations not to be missed!

Titian’s Birthplace: An evocative setting with original features from the period.

Eyewear Museum: 4,000 pieces that tell the story of an industry that started here and became global!

MARC – Archaeological Museum: It holds the secrets of the ancient Veneti and Roman finds discovered in Lagole and Pieve.