View Tom Dempsey's photos near the Sesto Group and the ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites (Dolomiti) mountain range, Italy, Europe. Wander streets of Cortina by day and night. Walk the loop around Tre Cime di Lavaredo ("Three Peaks of Lavaredo," also called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German), with views of Cadini di Misurina sharp peaks. See Lake Misurina along the road to get there. A lift to Tofana di Mezzo ascends the third highest peak in the Dolomites. Another lift to Forcella Staunies on Monte Cristallo gives unforgettable views over Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo and beyond. Walk historic World War I trails and bunkers around Cinque Torri in the Dolomiti Ampezzane. Hike scenic Passo di Giau and see sunset/sunrise.
World War I divided the Euroregion of Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino, but today Italy and Austria share this culturally independent area. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.