The Cimon della Pala is the summit that gives San Martino di Castrozza its face: 3,184 metres of rock with a profile so slim and sharp that it's earned the nickname the Matterhorn of the Dolomites, even though it isn't the highest peak in the Pale group. It owns the village skyline and takes over at dawn and dusk, when the enrosadira fires the rock in pink and orange. Its climbing history goes back a long way: the first ascent was on 3 June 1870, by the Englishman Edward Robson Whitwell with guides Santo Siorpaes and Christian Lauener, via the Travignolo glacier. That date also marks the start of mountain tourism in the area.
Reaching the summit today is still a serious alpine climb, for the experienced or for those with a mountain guide. But the truth is the Cimon della Pala is best enjoyed from below. Classic viewpoints from Baita Segantini to Passo Rolle frame it like a painting, and many of the most famous images of the Dolomites come from there. Even with no thought of climbing it, just standing nearby and watching the light change is one of the most memorable sights in the valley.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Cimon della Pala called the Matterhorn of the Dolomites?
Because of its slim, sharp profile, which calls to mind the famous pyramid of the Matterhorn. It isn't the highest peak in the Pale, but it's the most recognisable, and it's become the symbol of San Martino di Castrozza.
Can you climb to the summit of the Cimon della Pala?
Yes, but it's a demanding alpine route for experienced climbers only, or for those with a mountain guide. The first ascent was in 1870. Most visitors take it in from viewpoints like Baita Segantini instead.