Belluno
is well-known as a charming provincial capital, its territory extends to world-famous destinations like the alpine jewel Cortina d’Ampezzo – host of the Winter Olympics – and is also the birthplace of the Renaissance master Titian.On this page, we explore two of the province’s distinct gems, each offering its own flavor of the Dolomites and a perfect backdrop for slow, cat-friendly travel. Let Gigia guide you through the trails, trattorias, and timeless beauty of Belluno. For more hidden trails and cat-approved refreshment venues across Italy, explore Gigia’s travels in Gigia’s Italy (Zampe in viaggio).
Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL)
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the jewel of the Dolomites, sparkles with alpine glamour, designer boutiques, and breathtaking mountain vistas. But Gigia? She remained blissfully unimpressed by human notions of luxury. For her, the true riches were the crisp mountain air filling her whiskers, the endless admiration from staff at the Cooperativa di Cortina, and those sweeping views that even made a nap-prone cat pause to appreciate nature’s grandeur.
While Cortina boasts world-class ski slopes and celebrity sightings, Gigia measured its worth in simpler pleasures: the way sunlight dappled the cobblestones perfectly for afternoon naps, how shopkeepers instinctively knew to compliment her spotted coat, and those panoramic backdrops that—let’s be honest—only served to highlight her natural elegance. Whether sniffing out geckos in the historic center or “assisting” at the Cooperativa (where she guarded the cash register with the intensity of a feline auditor), Gigia proved that even in Italy’s most glamorous alpine town, the real attraction was her.
For those wary of Cortina’s lofty prices, Gigia approved of nearby Birreria—where hearty mountain meals cost less than one of her gourmet treats. But no matter where you dined, the best show in town remained watching Gigia hold court, her emerald eyes scanning the peaks as if to say, “Lovely, but have you seen how my fur catches the light?” After all, when you’re Gigia, even the Dolomites become just another supporting character in your story.
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Pieve di Cadore (BL)
Pieve di Cadore wasn’t on our itinerary, but the search for a lunch spot led us to this charming town—and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Nestled in the shadow of the Dolomites, this picturesque spot feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Known as the birthplace of the legendary artist Titian, it’s a blend of history, art, and alpine beauty, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a stunning mountain backdrop that makes time seem to slow down.
As always, Gigia lightened up every venue we stumbled upon—bars, restaurants, you name it. Her presence was an instant success, charming locals and turning even the simplest stops into memorable adventures. Pieve di Cadore may have been an unplanned detour, but with Gigia in tow, it became a highlight of our journey.
