Page 224 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

222  THE VENE T O AREA B Y AREA

4 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 beautiful, Onion dome,
turning rose pink at sunset. a common local feature
Strada delle Dolomiti N49 Dobbiaco
R ienza
One of the most spectacular routes Tre Cime
through the Dolomites links Bolzano N51 di Lavaredo
with Cortina d’Ampezzo (see p220).
It follows the lie of the land, passing Lago di Misurina
some of the greatest peaks, and the
most majestic landscape. Cortina
Sasso d’Ampezzo
Lungo
N48
Bolzano Torri del Cinque
Vaiolet N51 Pieve di

Canazei Torri Cadore
Marmolada
Adige
N241
0 kilometres 10
N12 0 miles 5
4,000 m
(13,123 ft)
Distinctive Peaks of the Dolomites Marmolada
The peaks of the Dolomites include several 3,343 m (10,968 ft)
with distinctive shapes and some of the highest Sasso Lungo
mountains in the range. Many are easily 3,179 m (10,430 ft)
identifiable and have been individually named.
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 The Cinque Torri or Five Sasso Lungo is a tall peak Marmolada is the highest
(3,281 ft)
Towers rise from one base easily recognized by its peak in the Dolomite chain.
between Passo Falzarego distinctive scar. It is joined A cable-car ascends to
and Cortina d’Ampezzo. to the Sasso Piatto. 3,000 m above the glacier.

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