The Italian Mountain Ranges
Italy is a very mountainous country. In fact, approximately forty percent of the terrain is classified as mountainous areas. Mountains are at the core of the Italian culture. Hiking, scaling to the summits and cycling mountain passes are among the most popular activities. The three main Mountain Ranges of Italy are:
1. The Italian Alps, covering the six northern regions of Italy, bordering France,Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
2. The Dolomites in the north east, form part of the Southern Limestone Alps.
3. The Apennines which stretch from North to South, form the backbone of the country
By Fabio Disconzi - Pixabay
The Italian Alps
Italy shares some of the highest mountains of the Alps with its neighbouring countries, France and Switzerland, and form natural border between these countries. Aosta Valley is one of the mountainous region in Italy, including the majestic Monte Blanc, (4897m), is the highest mountain in Italy, located on the border between Italy and France, Monte Rosa (4633m) located between the regions of Piedmont, Aosta Valley and Switzerland's Valais and Cervino (Matterhorn, 4478m), sharing with Switzerland.
Aosta Valley Region
The Aosta Valley region is a border region, rich in natural beauty, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, fascinating Roman ruins and monuments that witnesses its ancient glorious history, beautiful castles, wonderful wildlife, kilometre upon kilometre of sweeping pistes and world-class skiing resorts.
The region is surrounded by the four highest mountain ranges in Italy: Monte Bianca, , Monte Rosa, Monte Cervino, (Matterhorn), and Gran Paradiso. Its highest peak is Mont Blanc (4,810 m). The city of Aosta is its capital. The official languages are Italian and French.
Monte Bianco
Monte Bianco (French: Mont Blanc) meaning "white mountain" , it is so called because the mountain is usually cover with snow or cloud mixtures. Standing at a height of 4897m, it is the highest mountain Italy,
second highest in Europe, after Mount Elbrus, and the eleventh in the world. The mountain stands between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy, and Savoie and Haute-Savoie, France. The three main towns that surround Monte Bianco are Courmayeur in Aosta Valley, Italy; Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Chamonix in Haute-Savoie, France. A trip to Aosta Valley is a must to include a visit to the majestic Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc).
By Fulvio Spada-flickr
From Courmayeur, you can ride up the Punta Helbronner at 3466m with Monte Bianco Skyway special rotating cable car to discover spectacular panoramic views of the Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta) and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
The Skyway system was inaugurated in 2015 and today includes 3 stations: Courmayeur/The Valley (1,300 m), Pavillon/The Mountain (2,173 m) and Punta Helbronner/The Sky (3,466 m).
Monte Rosa
Monte Rosa is not only nature and landscape, but also tourist resorts rich in history, culture and art. The tourist resorts in our territory, both at high altitudes and in the valley, offer multiple opportunities for recreation and relaxation suitable for people from all walks of life. From architecture to food lovers in search of the best gastronomic experiences, Monte Rosa never disappoints, thanks to the many traditions that still survive despite the passing of time. The two towns Alagna and Gressoney-Saint-Jean are the gateway to Monte Rosa. Other scenic villages in Monte Rosa includes Champoluc, largest ski resort in Monte Rosa and the charming village of Macugnaga.
Monte Cervino
Monte Cervino, known as Matterhorn in Switzerland, and Mont Cervin in France, is the most iconic peak in the entire Alps. Often referred to as “the Mountain of Mountains”, owes its fame to its almost perfect pyramid shape. It is every mountaineer’s dream! It is the most-photographed mountain in the world.
Standing at 4,478 meters, Monte Cervino (Matterhorn) is the fifth highest peak in the Alps. It is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. The mountain dominates the Swiss village of Zermatt, in the German-speaking canton of the Valais, to the northeast, and the Italian alpine resort of Breuil-Cervinia, in the Aosta Valley region, to the south.
The ambiance of Cervinia village is relaxed and welcoming. Here you can really enjoy life without any stress.
Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche are two most popular villages in Cervinia.
View of Monte Cervino from Blue Lake, Aosta Valley
By Ventofreddo-wikomedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
Breuil-Cervinia
Breuil-Cervinia is a modern resort lying at the foot of the towering Monte Cervino, surrounded by high glaciated mountains. Located in the Aosta Valley province, the town is separated from Zermatt by the Theodul Pass, the main passage between the two valleys and a trade route since the Roman Era.
It shares a ski area with Zermatt in Switzerland, connected through the Plateau Rosa glacier. The ski area of Cervinia-Valtournenche to Zermatt Matterhorn in Switzerland stretches over 350 km of runs. You can ski over between the towns and two countries without any problems, enjoying the changing view of the Matterhorn from every side.
Being one of Europe's highest ski resorts, means low temperatures and good consistent snow fall, skiing is nearly year round on the glacier. The ski season in Cervinia lasts for 6 months in winter but in summer, skiing is also available on the resort's highest peak - Plateau Rosa.
Breuil-Cervinia is the kingdom for climbers, hikers, cyclists and skiers!
By SteGrifo27 -wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
Valtournenche
Valtournenche is an authentic mountain village, an ideal holiday location and pays particular attention to its friendly hospitality reputation making guests feel at home.
The cable car “Valtournenche-Salette” is the gateway to the resorts ski area, to Breuil-Cervinia and to Zermatt (Switzerland).
Not to be missed is a visit to the Blue lake, a small body of water surrounded by century-old larch trees, fed by springs and therefore always crystal clear. A picture-perfect spot where the iconic silhouette of the famous Matterhorn reflects in the stretch of water.
Blue Lake (Lago Blu), Valtournenche
By LSC- Pixabay
Gran Paradiso
A mountain in the Graian Alps, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions, in the Gran Paradiso National Park. The peak, with an elevation of 4,061 m, is close to Mont Blanc on the nearby border with France. Each season has unique benefits. Winter is perfect for skiing, especially from December through March. Spring brings wildflowers and impressive waterfalls. Summer is prime hiking time, with the warmest weather and driest trails. Autumn lights up the park with its radiant foliage.
For those who are looking for a mountaineering adventure, alpine guides can assist you on a trip up to one of the surrounding peaks. Experienced hikers can go for Gran Paradiso (4.061m) summit climb with expert mountain guides! During winter, it offers a wide range of activities like snow boarding, horse drawn sledging or sled-dog and ski mountaineering.
Gran Paradiso National Park
Gran Paradiso National Park - created in 1922 when King Victor - Emmanuel III of Savoy’s donated his legendary game reserve to the nation – is Italy's oldest national park.
Its vast surface , more than seventy thousand hectares - is home to a large variety of plant and hundreds of protected species of animals. Get ready for the emotional experience of being surprised by Alpine ibexes (also known as steinbocks) fighting, some chamois (a species of goat-antelope), marmots or even an owl. Look to the skies to witness the flight of an eagle or a bearded vulture!
In addition to being well-known for its mountains, this region is also famous for its charming Castles, scattered throughout the region. With the surrounding nature, making the landscape even more enchanting. Almost every village has its own castle, some of them are ruins, others are still attractive for tourists.
By Camera-man- Pixabay
By Luca Casale-wikimedia.org
By Alberto Peracchio-wikimedia.org
Savoia Castle in Gressonay-St-Jean
Built at the end of the 19th century, the Savoia Castle in Gressonay-St-Jean was Queen Margherita, widow of Umberto I, summer palace. It is a three-storey building, featuring five different spiked towers, which give the structure its "fairytale appearance".
Savoy Castle Castles and towers
Gressoney-Saint-Jean
By Emanuele Stefano Foco -flickr
By MAGDALONG - wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fénis Castle
Fénis Castle is famous for its extraordinary architecture with marvellous battlemented walls that enclosed the central building, with many impressive towers. The harmonious structure of this medieval castle evokes a charming and fairy-tale like atmosphere.
Fénis Castle
By Rufus-wikimedia.org, CC By-SA 3.0
Apennine Mountains
The Apennine Mountains, however, run in curves for more than 1,350 kilometres from Gulf of Genoa to Calabria, north to south covering the entire length of Italy. Because of their shape and length, they are also often called the backbone of Italy. The highest elevation of the Apennine Mountains is the Corno Grande (2,913 m) in the Abruzzo. The Apennine starts from the northwest Ligurian Alps at Altare, and extend to the southwest , ending at Reggio di Calabria, the coastal city at the tip of the peninsula. The mountains in Sicily are considered a continuation of this mountain range. Two active volcanoes, Vesuvius and Etna, are in the Apennines Mountain range.
The Apennines are not so high as the peaks of the Alps, but they are nevertheless home to some important skiing areas, such as Roccaraso, Campo Felice, and Rivisondoli. It’s a great place for those who love skiing, hiking, or just enjoying beautiful scenery. One popular place to visit is Monti Sibillini National Park which is known for its beautiful landscape and abundance of wildlife. It is located across the regions of Marche and Umbria, encompassing the provinces of Macerata, Fermo, Ascoli Piceno and Perugia.
Dolomites
A mountain range in the northern Italian Alps, located in the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Dolomites has 18 peaks which rise to above 3,000 metres, featuring some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes with unique rock formations, sheer cliffs and and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys. In August 2009, UNESCO listed the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site. This is a complex property both in terms of its geography and its administration, consisting of nine mountainous systems each separated by valleys, rivers and other mountains, covering a total area of 142,000 hectares located in 5 Italian provinces and 3 regions.
The best time to visit the Dolomites is whenever you’re ready! Bursting with natural beauty and diversity of landscape, the Dolomites will delight you in every season.
By Roberto Scheggi -Pixabay
For more information, visit www.dolomitiunesco.info
The nine systems making up the UNESCO Dolomites each have their own highly distinctive features, yet they are closely interlinked.
1. Pelmo, Croda da Lago: Veneto region
Pelmo and Croda da Lago are the first of the nine systems forming the serial property of the Dolomites, included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. The area is located in the province of Belluno, between the territories of Cadore, Zoldano and Ampezzano. The area was chosen not only for its scenic beauty, but also for its scientific and geological value.
2. Marmolada: Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto region
Marmolada is known as the Queen of the Dolomites, and with its height of 3,343 meters is the highest peak of the Dolomites. This massif is the second system of the Dolomites serial property, included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. Unlike the rest of the Dolomites, which are composed of dolomite, this range is composed of white limestone of coral origin. Divided between the provinces of Trento and Belluno, it was selected by UNESCO for its striking and austere beauty, for its chemical and physical characteristics, and because it provides a natural testing ground for climate change research.
3. Pale di San Martino, San Lucano, Dolomiti Bellunesi, Vette Feltrine: Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto region
Pale di San Martino and San Lucano, Dolomiti Bellunesi and Vette Feltrine are the third system of the Dolomites serial property, included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. The system, located in the provinces of Belluno and Trento, has a horseshoe shape, comprises distinct mountain areas and features one of the most complete stratigraphic series of the whole Dolomites, going from the Early Paleozoic to the Cretaceous.
4. Dolomiti Friulane and d’Oltre Piave: Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia region
The “Friulian Dolomites” are part of one of the nine mountain ranges that have received this recognition. It extends over the Provinces of Pordenone and Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia) with a small area in the Province of Belluno (Veneto). This territory is characterized by wide valleys winding among silent Dolomitic peaks, and its extensive wilderness areas, ideal for hiking and trekking. Here you can marvel at the sheer power of Mother Nature, largely untouched by human interference.
6. Puez-Odle: Trentino-Alto Adige region
The Puez Odle are the sixth system of the Dolomites serial property, included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. This area is situated entirely in South Tyrol and displays a wealth of unique features in terms of geology and, in turn, landscape. The Puez Odle, Site of the UNESCO World Heritage, represent the northernmost system of this serial property and is relatively small as compared to the others. The entire area is protected under the nature reserve Parco Naturale Puez Odle.
7. Sciliar-Catinaccio, Latemar: Trentino-Alto Adige region
Sciliar, Catinaccio and Latemar are the seventh of the nine system forming the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area extends between the provinces of Trento and Bolzano, with the exception of the Sciliar, situated entirely in South Tyrolean territory. The system has an indisputable aesthetic value, recognized all around the world, and a high geological value.
8. Bletterbach Gorge: Trentino-Alto Adige region
The Bletterbach Gorge is the eighth of the nine systems forming the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area extends south of Bolzano, in South Tyrol, and was included on the World Heritage List because it provides a detailed and immediate visual representation of the geological history of the Dolomites. Bletterbach Gorge is the smallest of the nine systems and is bounded by Monte Pausabella, the Oclini Pass, and the villages of Aldino and Redagno.
9. Dolomiti di Brenta: Trentino-Alto Adige region
The Dolomiti di Brenta are the ninth and last of the systems forming the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tocated in the province of Trento, this is the westernmost section of the site. The system stands out for its majestic forms, more austere and less plastic than the rest of the Dolomites. Here the stratigraphic succession and stages of the structural and tectonic evolution of the Dolomites are well represented.
Trentino-Alto Adige Region
Trentino Alto Adige region is situated in the very north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, and is best known for the beauty of its peaks, valley, crystal clear lakes, rivers streams, forests, alpine meadows. While on its south-eastern part are typical towering limestone peaks of the Dolomites, to the north, the landscape is mountainous and finally featured with the majestic Alps. Mountains and lakes give nature of Trentino really a unique character! Trentino really knows how to create beautiful, engaging museums that are intriguing for all ages. Trento’s MUSE Science Museum, Bolzano’s Otzi Museum , Lake Ledro Pile-dwelling Museum and Fiavé’s Pile-dwelling Museum are truly fascinating even if you’re not an archeology or history buff. These interactive museums are perfect for the whole family!
German language remained as the main language here and everything is Germanic as well, from the food to the architecture.
Trentino-Alto Adige has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
The Dolomites (Shared with Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia )
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (Shared with Lombardy, Piemonte)
Among the best places to visit in Trentino, in fact, are not only the beautiful towns in The Dolomites, cities like Trento, Bolzano, Merano, and Levico, as well as famous lakeside resorts such as Riva del Garda.
Trento
Trento, the capital of Trentino Alto Adige, after which the region is called, and it is also the most beautiful city of Trentino-Alto Adige. Many routes to the Dolomites pass through the town of Trento . Dolomites along with Trento town are undoubtedly the most beautiful places to visit in Trentino-Alto Adige.
Castello del Buonconsiglio
The Castello del Buonconsiglio is one of the first places to visit in Trento. It was the residence of the Prince Bishops of Trento for over 500 years. There is a museum with the collection of interesting paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other art objects, as well as the temporary exhibitions they always host.
Duomo di Trento
Duomo di Trento, San Vigilio Cathedral is a Romanesque-style church devoted to the saint patron of the city. don’t miss to visit the archaeological site in its underground Roman city of Tridentum, built and inhabited during the first century BC.
The Museums of Natural Science (MUSE)
The Museums of Natural Science (MUSE), a large park surrounded by mountains, featuring a modernist design complex with interesting collections dedicated to the Alps and their ecosystem, focusing on geology, forests and glaciers. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits about gravity, sound and other laws of physics . It was the only museum in Italy to be awarded an honourable mention at the European Museum of the Year Awards 2015. A wonderful building and a great attraction for all the family.
Bolzano
Bolzano is a gorgeous city of Italy’s Dolomites. Surrounded by the Dolomites, it boasts a wealth of great things to see and do. Any season is perfect to visit Bolzano, one of the top places to see in Trentino Alto Adige. The main street in Bolzano is the Lauben, a very long street with the medieval arcades still intact, now the main shopping thoroughfare in Bolzano. You will also find interesting architectural features on the buildings in many of the other streets around the historic centre, such as Via Portici, gable roofs and balconies, as well as Piazza Walther, where the ambiance of the town feels and looks more German-Austrian than Italian and a pleasant square with cafes and bars at every corner. It is also worth visiting the daily fruit and vegetable market in Piazza Erbe before continuing on to admire the cloisters and carved wooden altarpiece at nearby Chiesa di Francescani. Ötzi and the Archaeological Museum is one of the main tourists draws in Bolzano. Who’s Ötzi? A man who lived some 4000 years ago. The famous Iceman found in 1989. Today we can see his mummy, and a fascinating overview of his time, his habits, diet, clothes, weapons and all aspects of his daily life. Absolutely recommended.
Bolzano
By Duernsteiner -Pixabay
Merano
Famous for its thermal baths, Merano is a beautiful small city surrounded by the breathtaking Dolomites peaks. A favourite destination in Alto Adige for luxury wellness holidays. For shoppers, Merano’s covered walkway, Portici di Merano , some 400 meters long, is the city’s shopping street. Whether you feel like forking out good cash or just sitting and enjoy a drink, here you can find everything. One of the places that make Merano famous all over the world, its thermal baths welcome everyone for a dip or a longer wellness holiday. Enjoy their pools, sauna and plenty of relaxing time.
By Lukas Laszlo-Flickr
By Stephanie Albert -Pixabay
Riva del Garda
Lapped by the waters of the Garda Lake, Riva del Garda is one of the top places to visit in Trentino. It lies on the northern shore and one of the main tourist draws.
Tommy_Rau da Pixabay
Italy Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
(Shared with Piemonte, Lombardy)
The well preserved prehistoric Alpine stilt houses are part of 111 human dwellings scattered all over the heart of Europe, included in the Unesco World Heritage Sites list. These Pile Dwellings are distributed in six different countries. 56 are located in Switzerland, 19 in Italy, 18 in Germany, 11 in France, 5 in Austria, and 2 in Slovenia. In Italy, the nineteen Pile Dwellings are located in five different regions, Lombardy (10), Veneto (4), Piedmont (2), Friuli Venezia (1), and Trentino Alto Adige (2).
The two sites of prehistoric Pile Dwellings in Trentino are Lake Ledro and in Fiavé Lake Carera. In 2012, both the archaeological areas were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with 110 other “Prehistoric pile-dwelling sites in the Alps”.
Lake Ledro Pile-dwelling Museum
The pile-dwellings of Ledro are one of the most important pile-dwelling sites in Europe. The village, which dates back to about 4,000 years ago, can now be visited together with the rooms of the museum, which houses perfectly preserved artefacts and tools from the Bronze Age.
In autumn 1929, the water level of Lake Ledro was lowered to facilitate the building of the hydroelectric plant in Riva del Garda: this led to the discovery of an extensive area with more than 10,000 piles. The Pile-dwellings of Ledro were discovered after thousands of years and aroused the interest of the international archaelogical community.
Fiavé’s Lake Carera, of glacial origin, man has been living at least from the Mesolithic era (7 thousand years B.C.) to the end of the Bronze Age. Between the 4th and 2nd millennium B.C. there were pile-dwelling villages here, still visible today in the archaeological area. the ancient stilt houses were discovered in the mid-1800s.
By Roberto Ferrari-flickr
