Santo Stefano di Cadore, Italian comune
Santo Stefano di Cadore is a small commune in Belluno Province at about 900 meters altitude, where the Padola stream meets the Piave River. The village serves as the main center of the Comelico valley in the Dolomites and includes several hamlets such as Campolongo, Costalissoio, and Casada.
The area was historically a major center for timber trade in the Comelico valley. The Church of Santo Stefano dates from the 13th century and shows through artworks by artists like Tommaso Da Rin how religious and cultural life evolved over the centuries.
The name Santo Stefano honors Saint Stephen and shapes the religious identity of the place. The churches in the center and nearby villages like Casada and Campolongo serve as gathering points for the community and show how faith influences daily life here.
The village is best reached by car via the Carnica road, which connects Friuli, Veneto, and Trentino with direct access from the Piave valley. From here, many hiking trails branch into the mountains, while winter provides access to nearby ski resorts like Padola Val Comelico.
Andrea Zanzotto, a famous Italian poet, was posthumously honored as a citizen of the place, and his father created a painting for the church of Ss. Trinità, preserving the literary and artistic connection of the region. The lesser-known Val Visdende between Santo Stefano and Sappada remains quiet and untouched through limited access, a hidden gem for explorers.
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