It is one of the three most fascinating hikes to take in the Dolomites.
The Torri di Pisa refuge is located in the beautiful Latemar group, in Val di Fiemme, is located at the summit of the Cavignon peak at 2671m and is the only refuge in the entire Latemar group. The panorama you can enjoy from the very first steps is truly incredible, and once you get to the refuge you can admire the Dolomite groups of Catinaccio, and on the opposite side the Lagorai with a breathtaking view of the entire Fiemme Valley.
If you are wondering what the Tower of Pisa has to do with these latitudes, the mystery is soon unraveled: the refuge owes its name to the 40-meter-high spire of dolomite rock, identical in shape to the famous Pisan monument; it can be reached from various points, but from Predazzo, access is certainly easier. In fact, from here you can take two lifts, first the gondola and then the chairlift, which take you to Passo Feudo, at an altitude of almost 2,200 meters.
The remaining 400 meters of elevation gain to the destination is covered in about an hour and a half, first among meadows and then on rock. On the first section of the trail you will encounter, on the left, the “omeneti”: classic stone markers made by hikers to signal the path in case of fog-in German they are called “stoanmandln” (stone men). In the background are the green pastures of the Alpe di Pampeago and the beautiful Latemarium theme trail, with its many variations suitable for all degrees of difficulty.
Omitting trail No. 22, we continue our walk on the stony path ahead. We gain elevation and reach a grassy saddle where we can take a break and admire the view. We always advance on the path that zig-zags between steep pastures on our right and white rocks on our left. Looking up we see our destination much closer while, to the right, there is a charming view of the village of Predazzo.
The trail curves to the left and arrives at the base of a small scree which you pass by taking the leftmost path. From here you will climb only on a stony and, in places, rocky path. This section is also particularly interesting from a geological point of view: in the midst of the typical white rocks, it is easy to notice very dark strands; these are porphyry, remnants of the explosion of the Predazzo volcano. During the eruption millions of years ago, the force of the incandescent lava literally dug chimneys in the dolomite rocks in order to get out.
Having walked the last few steps, after its silhouette kept us company by appearing at several points along the way, we finally reach the refuge.
The Torri di Pisa Refuge is privately owned and was opened in 1981. It has been expanded several times in the past. In the summer of 2017, the owner, Antonio Gabrielli reopened, together with his family, after a careful renovation that made the refuge even more comfortable.
The building is made of wood, done respecting the principles of environmental sustainability and has become to all intents and purposes a “climate-shelter,” with a photovoltaic roof and thermal kitchen. The shelter has 36 beds in 4 dormitories, with bunk beds, and shared showers and bathrooms. If you have not yet experienced the thrill of sleeping in a real mountain hut, we wholeheartedly recommend it!
A unique experience: fiery sunsets, rosy sunrises … only those lucky enough to witness such a spectacle can understand why the Dolomites have become world-famous. Sure, you may not have all the comforts, but you can finally admire a truly breathtakingly beautiful starry sky, linger playing cards with friends, stay warm under the blankets while the patter of rain accompanies you to a good night’s sleep, or have breakfast while admiring the sunrise in a peace you never imagined. And then let’s not forget all the delicacies of typical Trentino mountain cuisine: dumplings in broth, goulash soup, tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, polenta with stew, melted cheese, cabbage, and finally an extensive list of desserts, from strudel to tarts, all strictly homemade!
From the outdoor terrace you will find that the view from here is 360° and sweeps from the Lagorai chain to the granite massif of Cima d’Asta. On the left, the Pale di San Martino Mountains stand out, and continuing, the more experienced will be able to recognize Monte Civetta, Pelmo and Antelao. But you can also see Marmolada, Tofana di Mezzo, Piz Boè. The Latemar Campaniles, on the other hand, prevent the view of Catinaccio, which lies just behind. But we cannot leave out the famous Tower of Pisa, from here just a little more effort and you will be able to admire it from above.
From the Torre di Pisa Refuge you continue walking, still on trail No. 516, in the direction of Forcella dei Camosci. You climb a few meters behind the Refuge and, from the helicopter landing pad, you can get an even more extensive view of the peaks around and, above all, in a westerly direction, you can finally admire the Tower of Pisa.
You return back on the same route, taking care that the lifts to Predazzo close, so you need to be at Passo Feudo no later than 5:15 p.m. The lifts are open approximately from mid-June to the end of September.
