Welcome to a resort town where the smart set meet. From haute cuisine to haute couture, and high mountain peaks to high society, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the height of sophistication. Within approximately two hours of Venice, Treviso, and Innsbruck airports, the city is easily reachable from most European and many international destinations. Located in the northernmost part of the province of Belluno, visitors to Cortina d’Ampezzo are greeted with the majestic sight of low-rise white houses made of timber, surrounded by beautiful forests, streams, and mountains.
The Pearl of the Dolomites
Nestled scenically amongst the Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountains, the town is first and foremost a ski resort town. Established in 1990, the Dolomites are a vast area of natural beauty stretching over 11,200 hectares. Visitors flock here to enjoy world-class skiing on more than 115 kilometers of runs, linked by cable cars (such as the Faloria cable car running from the town center) and chairlifts. In the summer, visitors can take advantage of hiking, mountain biking, and rock-climbing activities in this rugged natural landscape alive with possibilities and natural beauty. The setting for a number of movies, including the James Bond adventure ‘For Your Eyes Only,’ many celebrities choose Cortina d’Ampezzo for its scenic charms.
Chic shopping, delectable dining
The town also plays host to a truly magnificent selection of fine boutiques and restaurants. Stroll down the Corso Italia to find the very best skiwear money can buy: it has over 75 boutiques with luxury brands. Meanwhile the Cortina Cooperativa department store is a must-visit for shoppers, with over 4,000 square meters of retail space over seven floors. You may also simply enjoy a meal in one of the many well-rated restaurants along the Corso Italia. Why not try a delicious regional dish such as casunziéi, a half-moon-shaped pasta filled with spinach or beets? On Good Friday every year this street also hosts a not-to-be-missed grand religious procession. There’s also a rich and varied nightlife to be explored in Cortina d’Ampezzo. A number of buzzing bars and nightclubs ensure the fun continues well beyond your day on the slopes or in the shops.
Culture and history
The town has a fascinating historical background to be discovered. The town center is dominated by the bell tower of the Santi Filippo e Giacomo church, dating back to the 18th century. The sight of this architectural gem set against the alpine peaks will have you reaching for your smartphone or camera for a memorable photo opportunity. The town also has three museums housed in one building. Gaze at sculptures and paintings by 20th-century Italian artists at the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art, admire ancient fossils dating back to when Cortina was submerged under the sea at the Rinaldo Zardini Palaeontological Museum, or learn about Cortina’s community heritage at Regole d’Ampezzo Ethnographic Museum. Cortina d’Ampezzo also hosts well-known cultural and fashion events such as Montagna di Libri and Fashion Weekend. In 2021, the town will host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and in 2026, Cortina will, together with Milan, host the Olympic Winter Games. A delight across the seasons, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers something for everyone: the outdoor enthusiast or the high-fashion connoisseur and the foodie or the culture buff.
