Dolomiidid

Dolomiidid, known in Italian as Dolomiti, are a prominent mountain range in northeastern Italy that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The range extends across parts of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and is renowned for its distinctive pale dolomite rock and dramatic, jagged peaks.

Geology and landscape

The Dolomites are built primarily from dolomite, a carbonate rock named after the French geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu. The rocks formed during the Triassic period when the area lay at a tropical sea. Erosion over millions of years produced the sharp towers, vertical walls, and wide valleys that characterize the range, giving it a world-renowned alpine silhouette.

Notable peaks and ranges

Among the most famous features are Marmolada, the highest peak at about 3,343 meters, and the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks). Other well-known groups include the Sella, Piz Boè, Civetta, and the Pale di San Martino. The diversity of rock faces makes the Dolomites a premier destination for climbing, hiking, and winter sports.

Culture, history and conservation

The region hosts Ladin-speaking communities with a distinct cultural heritage and cuisine. The Dolomites have a long mountaineering history, with development of climbing routes and via ferrata. In 2009, the Dolomites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their exceptional geology and natural beauty, recognizing their status as one of the most complete examples of a geologically active mountain landscape. The area is protected by regional parks and relies on sustainable tourism, winter sports, and outdoor recreation for its economy.

Biodiversity and climate

The high-alpine climate supports diverse flora and fauna, including edelweiss, alpine grasses, chamois, ibex, and marmots, with variations across elevations and microclimates.