Art and culture

Itinerary through the art towns: our advises

Dolomites territory offers many historical and art towns, villages and places such as Mel, Belluno and Feltre. Not so far from our residences there are also the famous and loved Cortina and Venice. These places, with the exception of the last two, are wrongly consider minor touristic locations, but they are real gems due to their artistic and historical heritages: exploring them is a worthwhile experience.

MEL: an amazing historical village

Mel is one of the most peculiar historic village of Valbelluna, located at halfway from Belluno and Feltre. It’s full of art and culture and honoured with the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) by Italian Touring Club for its excellency in tourism, hospitality and environment. This little village, surrounded by woods and lawns, has a rich artistic and cultural heritage: the 14th century Barbuio-Gaio houses (also known as Villa Francescon), the Addolorata’s Church, the Municipality palace date back to the 16th century and the Renaissance residences Palazzo delle Contesse and Casa Fulcis. Are you a history or arts enthusiastic? Well, Mel offers also a Palovenetian necropolis, an Archaeological Museum and an unmissable old fortress, the Zumelle Castle, that is open to visit and events.

Belluno: city of culture and art

Surrounding by the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, Belluno is a lovely and people-friendly town in which the elegant historical palaces merge the Nordic style with the Venetian gothic, making unusual effects: the Building of the Rectors, the Building of Justice, the old Bishops palace, the baroque Cathedral and the Red Building, overlook the Piazza del Duomo. This city is the perfect destination for relaxing holidays with the family: from the evocative palaces to the small squares until the famous “liston”, the long way in the city centre in which cityzens meet each other and chat. The best way to explore Belluno is surely by feet: pay a visit to Porta Rugo, the Civic Museum and Crepadona Palace.

Feltre: the walled town

Feltre, one of the most evocative walled town of Veneto Region, is located in the Western part of Valbelluna and offers many 16th century palaces decorated with fresco’s façades, mullioned windows and balconies in Renaissance style. Among the most important buildings it’s worth considering: the tower of Alboino Castle, the Palazzo della Ragione with the old “Teatro de la Sena” (in which Carlo Goldoni took his first steps) and the sixteenth century Palazzo Cumano, where is placed the "Carlo Rizzarda" Art Gallery. A little town, then, that’s worth a visit, due to its art and history.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina is placed in the middle of a large and amazing valley that, beside the incredible natural beauty, offers also a great historical centre in which Corso Italia is, certainly, the best way for shopping. Here you can find many luxury and elegant shops, fashion boutiques, jewellery and antique stores. During a visit to Cortina d’Ampezzo don’t miss the chance to see the old church of "San Filippo and Giacomo" (date back to the 1775), its tower is the most antique in the city, and "La Ciasa de ra Regoles" with its three museums (Paleontology, Ethnographic and Modern Art). The Moderm Art Museum (Mario Rimoldi) has an incredible paintings collection: De Pisis, Sironi, De Chirico, Campigli, Carrà, Cesetti, Depero, Guidi, Guttuso, Vedova, ecc.

Would you like more information about the Dolomites territory and its art towns and villages? Ask to the owners of our residences or at the Tourist Information Point.