Cinque Torri & Lagazuoi — WWI Via Ferrata

The area around Passo Falzarego (2,105 m) above Cortina d'Ampezzo was the site of some of the most dramatic mountain warfare in WWI history. Austrian and Italian forces fought for years over the Lagazuoi ridge and the Cinque Torri (Five Towers) — the five distinctive dolomite rock pillars that rise from the meadows below. Today the battlefields are the most accessible and atmospheric piece of WWI mountain history in the Alps, combined with excellent via ferrata and dramatic Dolomites scenery.

The Cinque Torri

Five ancient towers of pale dolomite — the tallest reaching 2,361 m — that have been a famous rock-climbing destination since the 1890s. The meadow at their base is dotted with rock-climbing routes of all grades and the WWI open-air museum (Museo all'aperto della Grande Guerra, free, open all year). Cable car access from Passo Falzarego makes this one of the most accessible 2,000+ m destinations in the Dolomites.

Lagazuoi via ferrata and tunnel route

The Lagazuoi (2,835 m) was an Austrian stronghold tunnelled through from top to bottom — 1,000 m of tunnels dug by hand between 1915 and 1917 to move troops and supplies under artillery fire. The tunnels are now open to the public (torch mandatory, free entry). The ascent via ferrata climbs the south face on steel cables (T4, grade B/C). The descent through the tunnels is a unique underground adventure — 45 min of narrow passages, carved chambers, and eerie silence.

Cortina d'Ampezzo

The Dolomites' most glamorous resort town (host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, co-host of 2026). Expensive by Italian standards but the old Corso Italia is beautiful and the mountain backdrop — the Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapis groups — is breathtaking. Worth an evening stroll even if staying elsewhere.

Access: Passo Falzarego is served by summer buses from Cortina (20 min) and from Arabba. Cable car from the pass to Rifugio Lagazuoi.