Vodo Cadore between Pelmo and Antelao

Vodo Cadore lies at an elevation of 910 metres in the valley of the Torrente Boite, between the Pelmo and Antelao Dolomite massifs. Directly below the town lies Lago di Vodo, an artificial reservoir created by a dam on the Boite. The Vodo Dam is an arch dam over 40 metres high, shaped like a quarter of a sphere. This gives the town a clearly recognisable mountain landscape combined with a striking technical structure.

Trails to Pelmo and Rifugio Venezia

For hikes, an important reference point is the southeastern slopes of Pelmo: Rifugio Venezia is located at Campi di Rutorto in the municipality of Vodo di Cadore. From the Vodo di Cadore–Forcella De Cuze starting point, the mountain hut can be reached via trails 493 and 471 in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. This time indication should be understood as an approximate duration. The destination also has a special historical significance: Rifugio Venezia was inaugurated in 1892 as the first mountain hut built on Italian soil in the Dolomites.

A former railway line for your journey

The Lunga Via delle Dolomiti passes through Vodo. In its described sequence of routes, it connects Calalzo di Cadore, Pieve, Valle, Vodo, Borca and San Vito di Cadore. The section passing through Vodo is completely closed to traffic, paved and has even, easily manageable gradients. The route follows the line of the former Ferrovia delle Dolomiti, which was built during the First World War.

This transport history also remains traceable in the townscape. The former Ferrovia delle Dolomiti had railway stations or station buildings in Peaio and Vodo. The last train ran on 17 May 1964; the railway was then closed. Those who explore Vodo Cadore through its trails and local history therefore encounter both the present-day route and its former function.

Churches, crafts and local history

The town's cultural history goes back a long way. The existence of a church dedicated to Saint Lucy has been documented in Vodo since the 13th century. The Church of Santa Lucia is recognisable by its distinctive bell tower with a crenellated top. The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Vodo was also founded on 25 June 1493.

In Vinigo, the present-day church was rebuilt between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. From Vinigo, the old mill can also be reached via a simple, level road. Another historical connection leads to Peaio: Italo Marchioni, regarded in Vodo as the inventor of the ice cream cone, was born there on 21 December 1868. A commemorative artwork dedicated to him was installed in Peaio in 2003.

Milk production and farm visits

The local tradition includes Vodo's first officially established Latteria Sociale. It was founded on 16 November 1881; the following day, butter, cheese and ricotta were produced there. The Azienda Agricola Talamini De La Tela in Vodo offers a present-day insight into farming. It is certified as a Fattoria Didattica and gives visitors an insight into milk production and agricultural practices. This connects the history of the local dairy industry with a specific visitor experience.

More places to choose from

If you would like to place Vodo Cadore alongside other places in the selection, you can also view Pedavena, Montebello, Pieve Di Cadore, Pieve D'alpago, Sospirolo, Pascoli, San Gregorio Nelle Alpi and Nevegal.

For the overarching travel overview: Belluno.