Monte Piana rises between Misurina and the Val di Landro, straddling the border between the Cadore and the Val Pusteria, and bears the memory of one of the bloodiest fronts of the First World War: here, between 1915 and 1917, Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops faced each other at close range, and it is estimated that around 14,000 men lost their lives. Today the plateau is a large open-air museum, maintained by the Fondazione Monte Piana and various associations: trenches, tunnels, gun emplacements, memorial crosses and plaques have been restored and made accessible along a historical trail that runs almost on the level, taking two and a half to three hours to walk.
The most convenient approach follows the old military road of about five kilometres that climbs from Misurina at 1,756 metres to the Rifugio Bosi at 2,205 metres: in summer an off-road shuttle service covers the stretch in around fifteen minutes, but those who prefer can also ascend on foot from the Lago di Antorno or, with more effort, from the Val di Landro. From the plateau the gaze sweeps over the Tre Cime, the Cadini and the entire Dolomite amphitheatre: the visit combines powerful commemorative significance with an exceptional panorama.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Monte Piana?
The easiest access is via the five-kilometre military road that climbs from Misurina to the Rifugio Bosi: in summer off-road shuttles cover it in about fifteen minutes. Alternatively you can walk up from the Lago di Antorno or the Val di Landro.
What can you see of the First World War front?
The plateau preserves restored trenches, tunnels, gun emplacements and walkways, as well as memorial crosses and plaques, along a historical trail that is followed almost on the level — a true open-air museum.