Roda di Vael and the Christomannos monument

A short, panoramic route at the foot of the Catinaccio that reaches the monument to Theodor Christomannos in a little over an hour: a bronze eagle with outspread wings, set on a spur above the drop. Christomannos was the driving force behind the first roads and the first hotels in the Dolomites, and the monument was dedicated to him after his death.

From the point where the eagle stands, the view takes in the Val di Fassa, the Val d'Ega and the Latemar group in a single sweep. The height is gained by the Paolina chairlift, so the walk itself is within anyone's reach, children included.

Highlights

The Christomannos monument

Cast in bronze in the early years of the twentieth century, it is one of the few alpine monuments placed directly on a rock face. Seeing it backlit in the late afternoon, with the Catinaccio catching fire, is the reason not to set out too early.

The Catinaccio

The walls that accompany the whole route are the ones that turn pink at sunset: the phenomenon is called enrosadira in Ladin, and it gave the group its German name of Rosengarten, the rose garden.

Getting there

We start from Carezza, at the car park by the bottom station of the Paolina chairlift. The lift takes you up to the Paolina hut, where the walk begins. The return follows the same route. If you are staying nearby, a car transfer from your hotel to the trailhead is included.

Good to know

The route is graded E: no technical difficulty, but a sure step on mountain ground is required.

The chairlift runs to seasonal timetables: check the last ride down before setting off.

Routes may change according to trail and weather conditions.