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Places
of Interest
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The
Dolomites are a further enhancement of Italy's reputation as the cultural
capital of the world, so on your arrival, we look forward to proposing
several interesting day trips. Driving amid such spectacular scenery will
be one of the great pleasures of your holiday. Motoring conditions in
the Dolomites are good and not typical of other parts of Italy. No matter
which direction you take, you will soon be in awe of your surroundings,
and your journeys will be as delightful as your destinations.
The
South Tyrol has as many mediaeval castles as any province in Europe, most
with precious frescoes and arcaded courtyards. There are churches, monasteries,
ruins and numerous museums. Cortina has several, including the open-air
Museum of Flora, Fauna and Mineralogy and the Museum of Palaeontology,
which will fascinate anyone absorbed by the region's unique geology. On
every trip you will pass through the most enchanting villages, famous
for nothing but unforgettable all the same.
Cortina
is a stunning twenty mile drive from Arabba and Pedraces. Set amidst soaring
peaks and soft green meadows, it is a world famous mountain village and
a window-shopper's paradise. A pedestrianised 'corso' is lined with antique
shops and elegant boutiques. In the piazza is the beautiful 225ft. campanile,
which dominates the town and is clearly visible to those walking in the
surrounding countryside. In August, Cortina hosts a vintage car rally,
which attracts participants and spectators from all over Europe.
| La Villa Festival. |
Alpine Cows
on show. |
Woodcarving
in Corvara. |
Otzi 'The Iceman'
in Bolzano. |
| There are
other towns of great beauty and interest. Agordo is charming and
its Wednesday street market dominates its piazza and most of the
streets nearby. A visit to Bolzano, the provincial capital of
the South Tyrol, is a must. This enchanting city is nestled spectacularly
below a crescent of impressive peaks, giving each of its porticoed
streets the most stunning of backdrops, which might temporarily
divert you from the colourful markets, picturesque piazzas, cafes,
beer gardens and the many interesting shops, including some excellent
mountain sports outlets. Moreover, the city's Museum of Archaeology
now plays host to one of the world's most astounding discoveries,
which has put Bolzano on the world map. |
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| the iceman | ||||||||||
| In
1991, the almost perfectly preserved body of a Neolithic hunter
was discovered trapped in a glacier in the Otztaler Alps on the
Austro-Italian border. The discovery of the 'Iceman' enabled archaeologists
to re-examine theories concerning Neolithic man, since 'Otzi',
carbon-dated to 5300 years old, was found with a complete suit
of clothes and a full complement of equipment, including a bow
in mid-construction, a copper-bladed axe and numerous instruments
made from flint and bone, all of which are on display with 'Otzi'
himself. |
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In summer you
will come across towns and villages in mid-festival. These are
colourful occasions, dominated by a sense of community and tradition.
Wooden tables and benches line the streets and beer is served
by local people in traditional costume. Nearby, craftsmen and
women demonstrate their skills and folk music is performed by
local musicians. Woodcarving is a prominent craft and you will
often see woodcarvers at work outside their alpine homes. |
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| Further afield are some of the most alluring cities in the world. | Verona Arena |
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| Venice is less than three hours
by car and ideal for a memorable day out. Padua is another gem
and home of the Arena Chapel, where Giotto painted some of the
Renaissance's most touching frescoes. Verona is magnificent and
its roman amphitheatre is the home of concerts and, of course,
its much-celebrated opera. Our responsibility to you is to give
you as much information and guidance as possible, so that you
can get the very best out of the area and the many interesting
events that take place here throughout the summer. We keep information
on places of interest and local events, such as craft fairs, beer
festivals, village festivals, vintage car rallies, concerts, markets
etc. For more details see here. |
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| Venice |
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