The Sorgenti del Piave (Source of the Piave) lie in the Val Sesis above Sappada, at around 1,830 metres above sea level and at the foot of Monte Peralba, which rises to 2,693 metres. It is here, at the northernmost point of the Veneto, that the river the Italians call sacred to the Fatherland begins its long journey to the Adriatic. The site, marked by a monument built in the 1960s that collects the water from the summit bog, holds powerful symbolic resonance linked to the First World War: the water springs clear among the rocks in an open, silent alpine amphitheatre, beside a small mountain hut.
The Val Sesis is entered from Cima Sappada, and the roughly eight kilometres of paved road leading to the source area can be driven in the summer months, or covered on foot or by bicycle along numerous trails. Once there, the final stretch to the monument is short and accessible to everyone, while from the same valley floor more demanding routes head towards Monte Peralba, the Avanza and the Chiadenis — terrain reserved for experienced hikers. This is border country with Austria, an authentic and uncrowded corner of the mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hike to the Sorgenti del Piave strenuous?
No: the Val Sesis can be reached by car in summer along the paved road, and the short final walk to the source is accessible to everyone. The nearby Monte Peralba, however, requires experience and appropriate equipment.
Why are the Sorgenti del Piave historically important?
This is where the Piave rises — the river called sacred to the Fatherland for the decisive role it played during the First World War. The site therefore carries deep historical and symbolic significance, as well as natural beauty.