Dolomites
The Unesco world heritage committee has recognised the uniqueness of this Italian mountain group and placed it under protection. The weird towers and crags are favourite motifs for postcards and paintings, though they also make a splendid backdrop for outdoor pursuits such as walking, climbing and skiing.
With an area of 141,903 hectares this protected area in northern Italy embraces parts of the provinces of South Tyrol, Trento, Belluno, Udine and Pordenone. Among the considerations which swung the decision to include the Dolomites in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's list of world heritage wonders are their geological history which is unique in the Alps, having been formed around 2.5 million years ago as a giant coral reef in the ancient Tethys Ocean. Today the sheer towers alternate with deep valleys and gentle hills and are known as the "Pale Mountains". In addition to its outstanding beauty and unique geological features the region is characterised by a diverse ecosystem rich in botanical variety and rare species of fauna.
Reinhold Messner often described as the greatest mountain climber of all time climbed all of the world's highest peaks and was first to conquer the Mont Everest without supplemental oxygen to aid breathing. Nevertheless he finds the Dolomites "perhaps not the highest, but certainly the world's most beautiful mountains."
Born as coral reefs 250 million years ago, today they soar skywards proud and confident as white towers of rock.
Formation: The Dolomites are part of the Eastern Alps and are striking because of their unique pale Dolomite rock. Geographically they straddle the borders of three Italian provinces: South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno. The characteristic rock of the Dolomites consists of fossilised coral reefs formed during the Triassic Period (around 250 million years ago) by organisms and sedimentary matter.
With an area of 141,903 hectares this protected area in northern Italy embraces parts of the provinces of South Tyrol, Trento, Belluno, Udine and Pordenone. Among the considerations which swung the decision to include the Dolomites in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's list of world heritage wonders are their geological history which is unique in the Alps, having been formed around 2.5 million years ago as a giant coral reef in the ancient Tethys Ocean. Today the sheer towers alternate with deep valleys and gentle hills and are known as the "Pale Mountains". In addition to its outstanding beauty and unique geological features the region is characterised by a diverse ecosystem rich in botanical variety and rare species of fauna.
Reinhold Messner often described as the greatest mountain climber of all time climbed all of the world's highest peaks and was first to conquer the Mont Everest without supplemental oxygen to aid breathing. Nevertheless he finds the Dolomites "perhaps not the highest, but certainly the world's most beautiful mountains."
Born as coral reefs 250 million years ago, today they soar skywards proud and confident as white towers of rock.
Formation: The Dolomites are part of the Eastern Alps and are striking because of their unique pale Dolomite rock. Geographically they straddle the borders of three Italian provinces: South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno. The characteristic rock of the Dolomites consists of fossilised coral reefs formed during the Triassic Period (around 250 million years ago) by organisms and sedimentary matter.
