Other things to see in Alta Badia
In Alta Badia there are many things to see. During a trip in Alta Badia, you can rediscover history, experience the Ladin culture and explore the nature.
Mt. Lagazuoi and its galleries:
images from the First World War
During the First World War, the frontline trailed along the Dolomites and various signs from those times have been etched upon Mt. Lagazuoi. This area rises up to 2,800 meters above sea level and shows traces of battles fought between the Italian and Austrian troops.
The "outdoor museum" of Lagazuoi can be reached following the marked passageways that depart from the Falzarego Pass and the Valparola Pass. Alternatively, you may take the Falzarego Lagazuoi cable car that reaches the summit in 3 minutes.
The mountain is home to endless kilometers of galleries, which have been recently restored and may be traveled upon thanks to the installation of security cables and steps. Any visitor can admire the historic trenches and war posts.
The Deer Park
of Paraciora - Sompunt
Halfway between La Villa and Pedraces you can also visit the deer park of Paraciora – Sompunt: over 7 hectares of meadows and woods where roebuck and deer live in complete freedom. Among other animals, you can also find donkeys, ponies, sheep and goats that you can even pet!
There is even a recreation area for all young travellers. Nearby, the Paraciora restaurant awaits you with delicious dishes and treats.
The Ursus Spelaeus
The King of the Dolomites
On 23 September 1987 a well-known hotelier in Val Badia named Willi Costamoling made an extraordinary discovery.
Venturing into one of the caves of the Conturines and reaching the end of a steep incline he uncovered the prehistoric remains of Ursus Spelaeus (a cave bear). This finding was considered quite important for paleontologists and researchers because they were able to identify that the various periods of glaciation that occurred in the Alps took place in intervals that were much closer than had been previously verified.
In fact, remains had been found that date back to 45, 70 and even 90 thousand years ago. This shows us that the Ursus Spelaeus inhabited the land of the Dolomites during the intervals of temperate climate between one ice age and another.
Nicknamed the "King of the Dolomites", Ursus Spelaeus weighed about 500 Kg and was the biggest inhabitant of the area. During the warm seasons he grazed along the elevated hillsides preparing for the long winter hibernation spent in the caves.
Many of the findings made in the famous cave of the Conturines are on display at the Pic Ladin Museum in San Cassiano.
