Page 88 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

86  NOR THEAST IT AL Y

The Dolomites

The Dolomites are the most distinctive and beautiful mountains in Italy.
They were formed of mineralized coral which was laid down beneath the
sea during the Triassic era, and uplifted when the European and African
continental plates dramatically collided 60 million years ago. Unlike
the glacier-eroded saddles and ridges of the main body of the Alps,
the pale rocks here have been carved by the corrosive effects of ice,
sun and rain, sculpting the cliffs, spires and “organ pipes” that we see
today. The eastern and western ranges of the Dolomites have slightly
different characteristics; the eastern section is the more awe-inspiring,
especially the Catinaccio (or Rosengarten) range, which is particularly Onion dome, a common
beautiful, turning rose pink at sunset. local feature

S49
Strada delle Dolomiti
Dobbiaco
One of the most spectacular routes
Rienza
through the Dolomites links Bolzano
(see p176) with Cortina d’Ampezzo TRE CIME DI
(see p165). It follows the lie of the land, S51 LAVAREDO
passing some of the greatest peaks,
and the most majestic landscape. Lago di Misurina
Cortina d’Ampezzo
SASSO LUNGO
S48
TORRI DEL CINQUE
Bolzano VAIOLET Canazei TORRI S51 Pieve di Cadore
MARMOLADA
S241
0 kilometres 10
Adige
S51
0 miles 5
S12
4,000 m
(13,123 ft) Distinctive Peaks of the Dolomites Marmolada 3,343 m
The peaks of the Dolomites include several (10,968 ft)
with distinctive shapes and some of the highest
mountains in the range. Many are easily Sasso Lungo 3,179 m
identifiable and have been individually named. (10,430 ft)
3,000 m
(9,842 ft)
Cinque Torri 2,366 m
(7,762 ft)

2,000 m
(6,562 ft)

Approximate heights

1,000 m
(3,281 ft) The Cinque Torri, or Five Sasso Lungo is a tall peak Marmolada is the highest
Towers, rise from a single easily recognized by its peak in the Dolomite chain.
base between Passo Falzare­ distinctive scar. It is joined A cable car ascends to 3,000 m
go and Cortina d’Ampezzo. to the Sasso Piatto. (9,842 ft) above the glacier.

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