General information regarding History, Culture and local Traditions

Ampezzano
This valley merits and is worthy to be mentioned with great importance not only because five of the Alta Via routes cross this area but also for its historical value very different to that of the other Dolomite Belluno valleys.
A parchment dated 1156 preserved and treasured in the 'Archivio Comunale' (Municipal archives) of San Vito di Cadore, is the oldest document in which Ampezzano is mentioned. It is a notarial deed of sale (land) drawn up by Judge Artroto. Another document dated 1214: 'Actum in Apicio Caduri' that is, written and drawn up in Ampezzo di Cadore. This formula was to be used for centuries. In the X century Ampezzo re-entered Cadore and held an important and worthy role. In 1235 the representatives of Ampezzo received the 'Statuto' (constitution statute laws) from the people of Cadore who had received it from the Camines. Notwithstanding, the following events did not improve, due to the obstinacy of Pieve di Cadore......... and constant refusals .............to the correct questions or proposals. Consequently in Cortina a 'Partito Tedesco' ( German party) was formed foreseeing the transition of the terrority to the 'Impero' (Empire). In 1420, when Cadore was granted to Venice (Eamus as bonos Venetos), Ampezzo did not swear loyality to Venice in the Chapel of Pieve, but in the one of Valle. An inevitable separation followed and in 1508 Ampezzo passed into the hands of the Emperor Massimiliano, and thus the conflicting variances and border contentions began. They were no longer disagreements between two small mountain villages but dissension between the 'Impero' (empire) and the Republic of Venice. Before long the area of Ampezzo was united to the 'Stati Ereditari Austriaci' ( Austrian hereditary states) in the region of Tirolo, with the title 'Arciducale' (Archducal), remaining free to administer using their own statute and maintaining the language, traditions and customs inherited from Venice. The basin valley in the Dolomites lived peacefully for three centuries. Then, in 1789, the anicent and historical castle of Botestagno was abandoned, the captain was removed and the jurisdiction annulled. Ampezzo was united to Pusterià, only the Vicarge remained in Cortina. In 1791 the total union to Tirolo was sealed and Ampezzo was left only the right to elect the town council and the Vicar. The French arrived in 1797, the Austrians returned in 1798. Ampezzo passed to the 'Regno (kingdom) di Baviera special privileges were abolished in 1809. Napoleone reconquisted Tirolo in 1809 and in 1810 consigned Ampezzo to the Regno d'Italia, a part of Cadore, Dipartiment (section) del Piave. No longer the Merigo ruled but the Mayor. In 1841 Ampezza once again became part of Tirolo, but the old privileges were not reinstated. The conflicts of 1848 did not touch Cadore nor the area of Ampezzo, they hardly noticed the war in 1866. In peace-time Ampezzo remained Austrian but the language, culture and traditions were still Italian. The refusal to teach the German language in local schools confirmed this fact. It was during this period that Aplinism began to develope in the valley and the surrounding areas, encouraged by adventurous and audacious foreign travellers, and the introduction of the famous Alpine Guides, almost all from the hunting activities therefore well-informed experts regarding the mountain crown of Ampezzo. The railway from Pusterià in 1871 brought tourists from the versant of Ampezzo , followed by Italians who began to use the new railway service to Calalzo (1877). Further touristic developments began with the construction th the great 'strade (road) delle Dolomiti' completed with the 'Canezei - Cortina stretch in 1909. The "Grande Guerra" (The Great War) broke out in 1914 and the basin-valley of Ampezzana was left with tragic memories. The Italian troops entered Cortina on the 4th November 1918. Thus, the beginning of the Italian administraion, which brings us to modern day history.
The traditions of Cortina are extremely different to those of other valleys as it has been influenced by both Tirolo and Venice. For example. female clothing is bright and colourful and fanciful as it is influenced by the summy life-style in the south while the male clothing is more simple and severe reflecting the nearby Tirolo style.
The numerous number of churches and chapels in the valley basin is a reality which shows how faith has always been very important and consequently art, tradition and local pageantry: SS. Filippo and Giacomo X century.; Maddonna della Difesa, built in the period from VII and IX century.; S. Francesco at the end of 1200; S. Nicolò in Ospitale, 1220; S. Rocco in Zuel 1700; S. Candido in Campo, destroyed in 1656 and in 1712 and then rebuilt and in which are preserved works of art from 1518 and 1530; S.Giuliano in Alverà, 1713; Madonna della Salute in Cadin , 1787; S. Antonio in Chiave, 1791; B.V di Lourdes in Verocai, 1909. The hotel 'Posta' is situated on the site of the 'Chiesa (church) di S. Caterina 1353, closed and then sold in 1781.
In Ampezzo as in Cadore and Comèlico the 'Istituto delle Regole' (institution of rules , a very old instituion, which joined members of one or more neigbourhoods) reigned in order to exploit the pastureland. Initially, there were two 'Regole' D'Ampezzo: Lareto on the left bank of the Boite and Ambrizola on that of the right........they had statutes called 'Laudi' .........in 1400 the abovementioned 'Regole' (rules) gave birth to several minor rules which are still valid today. The common properties of the 'Regole' are the pasture-land and the woods, the owners are the rulers, heads of the family; the law regulation is 'condominio' (joint control) and is called Laudo. 'Marigo' is said to be head of the 'Regole', Laudadori i Consigliers. It is very interesting todiscover and visit the 'Museo delle Regole' inaugurated in 1975, where it is possible to admire old, historical Ampezzan costumns, both the rich and 'da festa' (speacial occasion) ones and those for working tasks. Furthermore, historical alpinism exhibits of the valley, commonday-use objects, craftmanship pieces (especially Cortina for wrought iron and wood crafts) and all which regards the local Ampezzan history and cultural sphere.