Discover the Magic of Cortina d’Ampezzo: Skiing, Celebrities, and Alpine Charm
Cortina d’Ampezzo enjoys great fame due to intense promotional efforts, investment, and tourist redevelopment that have shaped it since the second half of the twentieth century. The town, located in the northern part of the province of Belluno at an altitude of 1,224 meters above sea level, is renowned as the most popular winter destination for the jet set and those seeking an exclusive skiing holiday.
It is not uncommon to meet celebrities wandering around its boutiques or in the night clubs, where a cosmopolitan atmosphere pervades the streets. While many tourists come to savor this glamorous environment, those who look deeper will discover a wealth of cultural and natural attractions.
What to See in Cortina’s Historic Center
From Corso Italia n°81, where the tourist information office is located, you can start a short tour through the charming streets of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Basilica of SS. Filippo and Giacomo
One of Cortina’s most well-known landmarks, this 18th-century basilica was built between 1769 and 1775. Inside, you can admire stunning paintings depicting the martyrdom of St. James, the martyrdom of St. Philip, and the expulsion of the merchants from the temple. The ancient marble altars are equally fascinating, but the true symbol of Cortina d’Ampezzo is the bell tower beside the church. Standing at just under 70 meters high, it was built between 1852 and 1858, replacing the original bell tower from 1590. The bell tower is visible from nearly every point in the valley.
Corso Italia
The glamorous street par excellence, Corso Italia is perfect for strolling among the boutiques, often referred to as the living room of the town. The streets of the center are a paradise for shopping lovers, with shops ranging from mountain sports equipment and local crafts to typical food products, fashion, and jewelry. Of course, there are also plenty of souvenir shops. Cafes and restaurants complete the varied tourist offer in the historic center.
Museums in Cortina
For those interested in culture, the R.Zardini Paleontological Museum and the Ethnological Museum of the Regole d’Ampezzo are must-sees. The former boasts the largest collection of fossils in the Dolomites (some dating back 230 million years), while the latter showcases historical artifacts related to the local population, who once lived off farming and shepherding. Another important site in Cortina is the Ciaṣa de ra Regoles, which houses the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art.
Evenings in Cortina: Where to Go and What to Do
Cortina d’Ampezzo is widely known from television and the iconic cinepanettoni films. Every evening, whether summer or winter, restaurants, clubs, bars, and pastry shops are bustling with people dining, drinking, dancing, and having fun.
The evening starts with aperitivo, possibly the coolest moment of the day when everyone meets up after a day on the slopes. It’s time for après ski.
For drinks, DJ sets, and live music, popular spots include Coffee The Suite, Bar Dolomiti, Cortina Wine Bar Wine Shop, and Janbo Disco Bar. For after-dinner fun, there are numerous restaurants to choose from, followed by a night at one of the Cortina nightclubs. The VIP Club on Corso Italia is a historic venue frequented by many celebrities. Alternatively, head to Bilbo Club, which hosts internationally renowned DJs, or Belvedere Disco, located slightly outside town in the Pocol area.
Rainy Day Activities in Cortina
Rainy days are part of the mountain experience, but there’s no need to be unprepared. Consider making it a cultural day, visiting the museums mentioned above (the Paleontological Museum R.Zardini, the Ethnological Museum of the Regole d’Ampezzo, the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art, and the Basilica of Saints Philip and James). Alternatively, you can dedicate yourself to shopping among the center’s exclusive stores.
Food lovers can indulge in local specialties at a restaurant, while those seeking relaxation can head to a spa in the village or at their hotel. For sports enthusiasts, indoor climbing is available at the Cortina 360 center, or they can keep fit in their hotel gym.
What to Eat in Cortina
The cuisine of Cortina d’Ampezzo features dishes deeply connected to Austrian Tyrol. Rich in calories and proteins as is typical in mountain regions, the local restaurants offer specialties like chenedi (also known as canederli or Dumplings in German)—stuffed breadcrumb balls usually served in broth or with melted butter. Casunziei, tasty stuffed ravioli, are another must-try.
Expect no shortage of polenta and soups (like the classic broad bean soup, known as fairies), while meat dishes like stew with cranberry jam, mushroom roast, and Großl (made with pork and boiled potatoes) dominate the second courses.
Ampezzo potatoes (fried with onion and speck) are a popular side dish, and mountain cheeses, either mature or fresh, are often served with berry jams and traditional sausages.
Sweets are a delight: from sacher cake with apricot jam and apple strudel to berry cakes, classic donuts with cream or jam, and krapfen, the fried batter sweets also known in German as strauben.
Family-Friendly Activities in Cortina
Families with children have plenty of options in Cortina. A trip to the Ra Stua mountain hut is ideal, where children can play in the green meadows, watch cows grazing, and walk along the riverbanks. The restaurant offers delicious desserts, including cream and berries.
The Conca Ampezzana area has no shortage of scenic walks, but for something special, take the Freccia del Cielo cable car to the last station, stopping at Col Drusciè on the way back, where there is a refuge with a playground and the Helmut Ullrich Astronomical Observatory, which offers the Sentiero dei Pianeti and the Sentiero dell’Universo.
In Ronco, children can enjoy the Adventure Park at the Cortina Adrenalin Center, with specially designed routes through the forest. Older children with a sense of adventure will enjoy exploring the Great War museum area, which includes open-air museums at Lagazuoi, the 5 Torri Museum, the Sasso di Stria Museum, and the Tre Sassi Fort Museum. These open-air museums cover an area of 5 km and provide insights into World War I through walks, relics, and visits to trenches.
Nearby Towns to Visit
Cortina lies in the historical-geographical region of Cadore, which includes the upper part of the province of Belluno and part of Udine (specifically, the municipality of Sappada). In this area, there are several towns and villages worth visiting, such as Pieve di Cadore, Auronzo di Cadore, and the village of Misurina, which overlooks Lake Misurina, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Veneto. Set at an altitude of 1,756 meters, it is framed by the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and other famous peaks like Cristallo and Sorapiss.
Sports and snow activities are central to Cortina’s appeal, featuring ski areas such as Faloria-Cristallo, Tofane, Lagazuoi, and 5 Torri. The area is a major ski destination within the Dolomiti Superski circuit, boasting 1,200 km of slopes across 450 runs.
In the warmer months, nature remains a major draw. Visit the Cinque Torri, reachable by cable car, to explore the open-air museum of the First World War, complete with historic trenches, posts, and shelters. Other popular excursions include hikes to Lake Sorapiss, renowned for its turquoise waters, and visiting the Fanes stream waterfalls. For even more adventure, take the Falzarego Pass cable car to Mount Lagazuoi and explore either its peaks or delve underground to see military tunnels and shelters.
Events and Festivals in Cortina
Cortina boasts a vibrant social calendar, with cultural and sporting events happening year-round. Among the key events are the Shortfilm Festival in March, the Ampezzo Carnival, the Leaves of the Madonna bonfires on August 14th in honor of the Assumption, and the beloved Christmas markets during Advent.
How to Get to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina is accessible by car via the A27 motorway (Venice-Belluno), continuing on SS51 to Tai di Cadore and then for 32 km to Cortina. Another option is taking the A22 (Modena-Brennero), exiting at Bolzano and heading towards Bressanone-Brunico-Cortina. The bus station on via Marconi connects the town to major cities in the Veneto and neighboring areas.
