Ponte nelle Alpi
Ponte nelle Alpi is a town of around 8,000 people in the province of Belluno, rightly considered the gateway to the Belluno Dolomi...
Updated 13 July 2026
The story
The story of Ponte nelle Alpi
History and origins
The oldest human traces in the area date back to the Stone Age and have been found in several locations, including Coi de Pera, Sass de Pescamon and Losego; the Roman era also left evidence, including remains of camps, burials, roads, jewellery and coins. The bridge over the Piave is documented as early as 1181: destroyed by the Venetians in 1412 to block the advance of the Hungarians, it was rebuilt in 1415, burned down in 1484, and destroyed and rebuilt several more times over the following two centuries, evidence of the strategic role this crossing has always played. In 1867 the town, until then called Capodiponte, took on its current name of Ponte nelle Alpi.
What to see
Several ruins of medieval towers and castles dot the territory: the feudal castle of San Giorgio at Soccher, the Casamatta fortress overlooking Lake Santa Croce in Alpago, and the Castellet fort on Monte Frusseda, near Polpet. The bridge over the Piave, rebuilt over the centuries, remains the symbol of the town and still gives its name to the whole territory today. The division into three historic areas, right bank, left bank and Oltrai, is still reflected in the organisation of the hamlets and in the town's administrative life.
Nature and surroundings
The territory of Ponte nelle Alpi is among the most varied in the province of Belluno, with an elevation range from the Piave valley floor to over 2,100 metres in the surrounding mountains. The town borders the Alpago area and its lakes, including Lake Santa Croce, a popular destination for water sports such as sailing and windsurfing, while the Belluno Dolomites, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open up immediately to the north towards Alto Agordino and Cadore. The convergence of several different natural environments makes the town an ideal starting point for excursions of every level.
Events and traditions
Community life in Ponte nelle Alpi is still organised around its historic hamlets, each with its own patron saint festivals and local traditions. The Piave Ecomuseum, located in the area, tells the story of the river and its relationship with the communities that have lived along it over the centuries, a bond that remains central to the town's identity.
Local life and economy
The local economy is based on tourism, small industry and services, favoured by the town's position as a hub relative to Belluno, the Alpago area and the Dolomite valleys. The presence of road and rail infrastructure has made Ponte nelle Alpi a logistical reference point for the entire province, without the area losing its character linked to the mountains and the river.
How to get there and location
The town is located just a few kilometres from Belluno, along the main road and rail routes connecting the provincial capital to the Dolomite valleys of Cadore and Agordino and to the nearby Alpago area. This position makes Ponte nelle Alpi a true crossroads for those travelling around the province of Belluno, whether by car or by train.
Experiences not to miss
- Cross the historic bridge over the Piave, rebuilt several times over the centuries
- Visit the ruins of the San Giorgio castle at Soccher
- Reach Lake Santa Croce in Alpago for water sports and walks
- Learn about the river's history at the Piave Ecomuseum
- Use Ponte nelle Alpi as a base for hikes into the UNESCO Belluno Dolomites
- Explore the historic hamlets of Cadola, Polpet and Pian di Vedoia
To see
What to see in Ponte nelle Alpi
Routes · Trovido Route
