Historic Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy and its man Attractions

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomite Alps in northern Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo is not only one of Europe’s most glamorous mountain destinations but also a place steeped in a long and complex history. Known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, elite skiing, and elegant charm, Cortina’s story begins long before it became a celebrity winter retreat.

Ancient Origins and Medieval Roots

The Ampezzo Valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence pointing to Mesolithic settlers. The region later saw Celtic and then Roman influence. The name “Ampezzo” is thought to derive from Latin or pre-Roman roots, possibly indicating “place surrounded by rocks”—a fitting name for its dramatic setting.

In the Middle Ages, Cortina was a modest but strategic settlement under the Patriarchate of Aquileia, and later, it came under the control of the Republic of Venice in the 15th century. During this period, it developed into a relatively autonomous community with local governance.

Austrian Rule and Cultural Evolution

Following the fall of Venice in 1797, Cortina was absorbed into the Austrian Empire, where it remained for over a century. During this time, it retained a unique blend of Ladin, Tyrolean, and Italian cultural influences, which can still be seen in the architecture, language, and cuisine of the town.

Cortina was heavily impacted by World War I, as it lay along the Italo-Austrian front. Many battles were fought in the surrounding Dolomites, and the area still bears scars from wartime tunnels, trenches, and fortifications.

A Jewel of Italian Tourism

After being ceded to Italy in 1918, Cortina began to flourish as a tourist destination. It was during the interwar years and especially in the 1950s that Cortina became synonymous with alpine glamour, attracting royalty, film stars, and European aristocracy.

The town hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, marking Italy’s debut as a host nation for the Games and transforming Cortina into a world-renowned ski resort. The success of the Olympics and its association with the film industry (with scenes from The Pink Panther and For Your Eyes Only filmed there) cemented its legacy as the “Queen of the Dolomites.”

Top 25 Attractions in and Around Cortina d’Ampezzo

1. Tofane Mountains
A dramatic mountain group west of Cortina, popular for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, offering sweeping views of the Dolomites.

2. Faloria-Cristallo Cable Car
Ascend to panoramic heights with stunning views of Cortina and the surrounding peaks from Mount Faloria.

3. Lago di Sorapiss
A glacial lake famed for its turquoise waters, reachable by a moderately challenging alpine hike.

4. Cinque Torri (Five Towers)
One of the most iconic rock formations in the Dolomites, popular with climbers and WWII history buffs for its open-air museum.

5. Lago di Misurina
A serene lake framed by pine forests and peaks, great for walking, rowing, or sipping coffee at its edge.

6. Olympic Ice Stadium
Still in operation since the 1956 Olympics, it offers public skating and events, and will be a key 2026 Olympic venue.

7. Corso Italia
The main pedestrian street in Cortina, lined with luxury shops, cafés, restaurants, and mountain-chic boutiques.

8. Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo
Cortina’s baroque-style church with beautiful frescoes and a bell tower visible from much of the town.

9. Museo d’Arte Moderna Mario Rimoldi
A prestigious collection of 20th-century Italian art, including works by Morandi, De Pisis, and Sironi.

10. Museo Etnografico delle Regole d’Ampezzo
An excellent ethnographic museum documenting local Ladin traditions, mountain life, and historical crafts.

11. The Regole di Ampezzo Forests
A unique communal forest management system dating back centuries, offering scenic trails and sustainable resource history.

12. Passo Giau
One of the most scenic drives and cycling routes in the Dolomites, offering dramatic switchbacks and peak panoramas.

13. Ski Area Faloria-Cristallo-Mietres
A varied ski zone with sweeping pistes, ideal for intermediate skiers and winter lovers.

14. Ski Area Tofana
The site of World Cup races and Olympic events, featuring challenging slopes and state-of-the-art lifts.

15. Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo
A protected nature park perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and connecting with pristine alpine wilderness.

16. Rifugio Lagazuoi
A high-altitude mountain hut accessible by cable car, offering food, lodging, and some of the best views in the Alps.

17. WWI Open Air Museum at Lagazuoi
A poignant trail system of restored trenches and tunnels used during the Great War.

18. Adventure Park Col Gallina
A family-friendly adventure park with ropes courses, zip lines, and climbing challenges.

19. Snowkiting at Passo di Croce d’Aune
A thrilling winter sport merging snowboarding or skiing with kites—only for the adventurous.

20. Bobsleigh Track Legacy Site
Though not currently in use, this historic Olympic bobsled track draws visitors interested in sports heritage.

21. Freccia nel Cielo Cable Car
Connects Cortina to Ra Valles and the upper slopes of Tofana—great for skiers or mountain views.

22. Cortina Skyline Connection
A ski lift network connecting Cortina with the Dolomiti Superski circuit, one of the world’s largest ski areas.

23. Dolomite High Route Trails
Long-distance hikes that pass through Cortina, offering challenging trekking experiences with jaw-dropping scenery.

24. Cross-country Skiing at Fiames
Groomed Nordic trails through snowy woods and valleys, ideal for winter sport enthusiasts.

25. Film Festival and Cultural Events
Cortina hosts a winter film festival, literary events, and art shows year-round—adding cultural depth to alpine life.

Cortina d’Ampezzo and the 2026 Winter Olympics

Cortina d’Ampezzo will once again take the global stage as a co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, alongside Milan, in what is being called the “Milano-Cortina 2026” games. This marks a triumphant return to the Olympic spotlight exactly 70 years after Cortina first hosted the Winter Games in 1956.

Key Olympic Venues and Events in Cortina:

• Tofane Ski Area will host alpine skiing events, including the women’s downhill, giant slalom, and super-G races—continuing its legacy from World Cup competitions.

• The Olympic Ice Stadium will be updated and used for curling events.

• The nearby Antholz/Anterselva Biathlon Arena will host biathlon events, accessible from Cortina.

• Cortina is also central to the bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions, with the historic track being renovated for modern standards.

• The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be shared with Milan, but Cortina will carry much of the alpine spirit, drawing global attention to its dramatic mountain venues.

The 2026 Olympics are expected to bring major infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to transportation routes, accommodations, and digital connectivity, while promoting sustainable development in the fragile alpine environment.

The return of the Olympic Games to Cortina is not just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of tradition, resilience, and mountain culture. Visitors in 2026 will be treated to a world-class spectacle set against the grandeur of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is where Italian elegance meets alpine adventure, where Hollywood glamour and Olympic legacy coalesce with timeless peaks and snow-draped forests. With a rich cultural history, outdoor activities in every season, and an Olympic future on the horizon, Cortina is more than a ski resort—it’s a destination that blends heritage, luxury, and natural beauty in spectacular harmony.

Whether you’re hiking beneath Cinque Torri, sipping espresso on Corso Italia, or cheering on Olympic athletes in 2026, Cortina promises a visit that is at once inspiring, invigorating, and unforgettable.