The Cimon della Pala is the summit that gives San Martino di Castrozza its face: 3,184 metres of rock with a profile so slender and sharp that it has earned the nickname the Matterhorn of the Dolomites, even though it is not the highest peak in the Pale group. It dominates the village skyline and becomes the undisputed protagonist at dawn and dusk, when the enrosadira ignites the rock in shades of pink and orange. Its mountaineering history is ancient: the first ascent dates to 3 June 1870, achieved by Englishman Edward Robson Whitwell with guides Santo Siorpaes and Christian Lauener, via the Travignolo glacier — a date that also marks the beginning of mountain tourism in the area.
Climbing to the summit today remains a serious alpine undertaking, to be attempted with experience or in the company of a mountain guide. But the truth is that the Cimon della Pala is best enjoyed from below: classic viewpoints from Baita Segantini to Passo Rolle frame it like a painting, and from there come many of the most iconic images of the Dolomites. Even without any thought of climbing it, simply standing nearby and watching as the light changes is already, in itself, one of the most memorable spectacles in the valley.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Cimon della Pala called the Matterhorn of the Dolomites?
Because of its slender, sharp profile, which recalls the celebrated pyramid of the Matterhorn. It is not the highest peak in the Pale, but it is the most recognisable, and it has become the symbol of San Martino di Castrozza.
Can you climb to the summit of the Cimon della Pala?
Yes, but it is a demanding alpine route suitable only for experienced climbers or those accompanied by a mountain guide. The first ascent was made in 1870. Most visitors instead admire it from viewpoints such as Baita Segantini.