The Sorapiss Group

The Sorapiss Group, or Sorapìs, is one of the main groups in the Ampezzo Dolomites and stands out between Cortina d'Ampezzo and San Vito di Cadore. The mighty massif consists of the "Punta Sorapiss" of 3205 meters, the "Croda Marcora" of 3154 meters and the "Three Sorelle" of 3005 meters.

On the Cadore side we find very high rocky walls, while on the north the slopes are softer and three small glaciers increase a small lake and its waterfall called "Piss" which gives its name to the whole mountain group. It was first conquered by the Austrian mountaineer Paul Grohmann in 1864, co-founder along with Friedrich Simony and Edmund Mojsisovics a few years earlier, in 1862 of the Austrian Alpine club.

Symbol and jewel of these mountains is the Sorapiss lake which is located right in the middle of the awesome natural amphitheater on the northern side, not far from the Rifugio Vandelli, 1926 m. The wonderful pond, thanks to the calcareous rock present on the seabed, has an incredible light turquoise color that at dawn, thanks to the play of light, turns into the color of milk and mint.

The calm waters of the lake reflects the mighty "Finger of God", 2603 meters, destination of several climbers and mountaineers. A legend tells that this enchanting lake was a gift from the fairy of Cristallo Mount to the daughter of King Sorapiss, a very capricious little girl called Misurina.

This pretty little girl insistently pleaded with her father, to get her the magic mirror from the fairy, to be able to read the thoughts of anyone who was mirrored. The fairy lasted a long time, because she didn't want to please the spiteful child but, faced with the tears of the king, she ended up consenting, setting however very harsh conditions.
The fairy had on Cristallo Mount a beautiful garden full of beautiful flowers, and the excess of sun made them wilt prematurely.

Then he decided that, in exchange for the magic mirror, the king would agree to transform himself into an imposing mountain, so that he would protect the wonderful fairy garden with his shadow. Moments later, as Misurina contemplated his large mirror, King Sorapiss began his transformation, swelling and changing color, his hair became trees and his deep crevices wrinkled, thus originating the majestic Sorapiss group. Legend made famous by a song by Claudio Baglioni recorded on the album Saturday afternoon.

◊ THE BELLUNO PROVINCE ◊

Also called the province of the Dolomites, extends in a totally mountainous territory, embroidered by incredible valleys and well-kept villages, natural oases and large rocky walls. The characteristics of the area reserve pleasant surprises but, the natural monuments that rise between large forests and green pastures, the Dolomites, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, are a breathtaking view that would leave the tourists in awe. This territory will welcome you and give you unique emotions, every single meeting will enrich your day and the endless red sunsets, admired from the top of some summits, will color your holidays in an unforgettable adventure.

◊ SPECIAL CATEGORIES ◊

The Veneto Region, nestled in the north-east of Italy, is a mix of history and traditions and, all of it, is enriched by the liveliness of its inhabitants and by a wide range of typical products all to be savored. From the highest peaks of the Dolomites, he embraces and welcomes each visitor with brotherly warmth, accommodating him among the many lounges of his cities of art, giving him unforgettable emotions. Turning between the pages of this site, you can organize your next holidays in the Veneto region and thanks to the many photos published, everything will be very simple.