Cortina d’Ampezzo is not just one of the world’s most evocative and iconic destinations. It has also been an extraordinary crossroad for writers, stories, literature, and cinema. From the time it was discovered by international travelers in the mid-19th century, the Ampezzo valley has captivated authors from across the globe. The beauty they encountered—amidst the peaks, forests, and meadows, as well as in the streets of the town—has inspired countless works. These impressions have been immortalized in books, movies, and many journalistic accounts.
Accadde a Cortina is an open air Museum of Literature in the Dolomites: a visionary cultural trail in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the help of the 18 placards placed in key spots around Cortina’s town center and the Ampezzo valley, you’ll uncover stories and memories tied to each location, inviting the viewer to share those unique memories, through excerpts from literary works, the words of the authors themselves, films, screenplays, and the verses of poets.
You can view these 18 signs online, navigate through an interactive map, or look up authors using a detailed name index. You can even listen to these stories by simply clicking on the “Play” button, perhaps while walking along the scenic shores of Lake Pianozes, wandering the paths of the old Dolomite railway, or savoring panoramic views from the terrace at Col Drusciè.
Accadde a Cortina is an archive available in English and Italian, and it even includes a section in the local Ampezzo language. It is accessible to everyone, anytime.
As an initiative of Cortina’s literary festival, Una Montagna di Libri, it is supported by the Municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Veneto Region, and partners including Audi Italia, Cortinabanca, La Cooperativa di Cortina, Regole d’Ampezzo, Emons Audiolibri, and Elleboro Editore.
