Italy’s pale and towering Dolomite Mountains are an offshoot of the more extensive Alps, and are famous for their snowy colored exterior, bounty of fossils, and rich history. These mountains used to be under the sea, and after rising up, were the backdrop to several World War I battles, and now a playground for those who want to get some premium skiing in.
While trekking through these mountains is undoubtedly an experience in itself, visitors will certainly benefit from learning the fascinating histories of these mountains and Italy’s historic hill towns in general. Like many other famous mountains on earth, many people have tried to summit these fantastic peaks.
They Were Formed During the Triassic Period
Two hundred fifty million years ago, the Triassic Period swept the planet, and began to create what we now know as the Dolomites, but this process did not start on land, but under the Tethys Sea. This prehistoric tropical sea was over what we now know as parts of southern Europe, and contained much of the stone and coral relics that we can currently find in the Dolomite Mountains.
The mountains’ underwater origins are why we find so many fossilized sea creature remains high on the peaks. The Triassic Period is one of several periods in the Mesozoic Era, with the other two being the Permian Period and the Jurassic Period.
They Are a UNESCO Heritage Site
There is certainly no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, with 60 throughout the country. The Dolomites are one of those sites. They were classified as such in 2009, and are one of the largest UNESCO sites on the planet. These impressive mountains are comprised of 18 different peaks, many of which scrape the sky at over 3,000 meters tall. Thanks to its formation in the Tethrys Sea, and the subsequent ice age, the topography of the Dolomite Mountains is highly impressive, and full of relics from the past, like Mesozoic Period carbonate systems and fossils.
The Dolomite Mountains also provide a snapshot of what our planet looked like during the Upper Permian and Triassic Periods, and are a valuable resource for archaeologists and scientists, which is another reason why their UNESCO protection is so key.
They Are Full of Fossils
You’ll find plenty of living flora and fauna in the Dolomite Mountains, including golden eagles and wolves, but there’s also lots of ancient creatures whose remains are there right under the surface. Plus, this ideal landscape is very well-preserved, so researchers can find intact fossils and remains that let them put together the pieces of what life must have looked like in that region.
What’s most interesting are the Triassic Period remains. Some of the fossils in the Dolomites actually predate the dinosaurs, who first came on the scene in the Late Triassic. Because of this, scientists can get a unique peek into the evolution of the dinosaurs and early life on the planet in general. MUSE, or The Science Museum of Trento is an excellent spot to see relics excavated from the Dolomite Mountains, with over 12,000 exhibits that span the history of these fantastic peaks.
They Were Partially Formed by the Ice Age
These mountains were initially forged deep in the ocean but were sculpted by ice. The Ice Age left its mark on these peaks in the form of spires, and cliffs. At the height of the ice age, these mountains were under two kilometers of snow, and packed with monumental glaciers that scraped their way across the landscape, leaving deep valleys and chisled cliffs in their wake.
There are not too many glaciers left over from the height of the ice age. In fact, the only one that visitors will spot today is Marmolada, which sits at 3,343 meters in the Dolomites. Still, hikers can appreciate the hewn stone and amazing landscape that this ice age brought so long ago.
They Were Once Called “The Pale Mountains”
If you look over the Dolomite Mountains, you’ll immediately notice one thing; they are very pale in color. These formations were referred to once only by this name; Pale Mountains, and occasionally you’ll still hear people call them that. The current, and official name comes from Deodat de Dolomieu, a French geologist who discovered the rock dolomite, which comprises most of the mountains’ craggy formations and high peaks.
Over the years, many people have tried to summit and conquer these pale mountains, including the famous glacier of Marmolada. For a long time, they were isolated and you needed to trek long and far to reach them, but the Brenner Railway opened in 1968, opening up the Dolomite Mountains to adventurers of all kinds. Whether, like Dolomieu, you appreciate these mountains for their rare minerals, or you simply want to challenge yourself and see the views, a visit will always serve you well.
They Have Medieval-Era Fortresses
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their history, the Dolomite Mountains have plenty of relics that date back to the Middle Ages, such as the famous Castle of Andraz. This destination comes with awe-inspiring views of the valley beyond, but it was also a highly strategical fortress that allowed people to spot invading armies crossing over. While the castle no longer exists as a strategic point to fend off the enemy, you can still visit it for the impressive views and see a comprehensive museum.
This museum focuses primarily on the Ladin and Dolomite area, and the trades that were practiced there. You can learn a lot about life in the Middle Ages, and gain a deeper appreciation for what people in this region were truly made of.
They Were Home to Some of World War I’s Greatest Battles
Part of the first World War was fought in the inhospitable terrain of the Dolomite Mountains, specifically between Italians and Austro-Hungarian soldiers who found themselves fighting battles along its steep slopes in places like the Val di Zoldo. There are also many tunnels that run through the mountains, most famously the Lagazuoi war tunnels, and trenches that still exist just feet off popular hiking paths.
You’ll also find several museums and memorials that speak to the graphic, and some would say, senseless nature of the conflict like the Valparola Museum or the Marmolada Museum. The First World War reshaped the continent and changed how the aristocratic class ruled. All of the primary powers fighting in this war were cousins, and descendants of Queen Victoria.
They Have a Long History of Winter Sports
The snowy slopes of the Dolomite Mountains make it an ideal place to practice winter sports, specifically skiing and snowboarding. These sports have long been played in the Dolomites, with evidence of people skiing dating back centuries. Today, you can try your luck on slopes that range from beginner-friendly to downright terrifying, or participate in a historic and athletic tour, like a Skitour of the First World War.
This tour is about eight hours long, and passes through several integral battle sites. Since it’s an intense day at high altitude, you have to be up for both the history and challenge to participate.
They Are Full of Amazing Mythology
The Dolomite Mountains are nothing if not steeped in fantastic mythology to go along with their documented history. Some stories talk about a mysterious moon princess who brought edelweiss to the Dolomite Mountains. According to legend, this moon princess fell in love with an earthly prince.
There is also some grimmer lore in these mountains, including vengeful water goddesses and witches with nails on their heads. There are also fairly benign, but still fearsome mountain spirits that were once mortal and now haunt the slopes of the mountains.
Whether you venture to the Dolomite Mountains for a bit of historical sightseeing, to marvel at the ancient fossils and glacier hewn cliffs, or to get in a bit of skiing, you’re bound to enjoy yourself at the most fascinating mountain range on the planet.
