Excursion to the Rifugio Torre di Pisa

(round trip along the same route)

The path to the Rifugio Torre di Pisa starts from Passo Feudo. You reach Passo Feudo with 2 lifts just outside Predazzo: the cable car to Gardonè and then the chairlift to Passo Feudo.

Once you are in Passo Feudo, take path no.516 which climbs, steeply at first and then more gently, in the middle of a flowery pasture. Our destination, the Rifugio Torre di Pisa, can be seen right away, looking up on the mountain. Seen from below, it appears to be poised on top of a rock.

On the first stretch of the path, on the left, you come across the omeneti: classic stone trail markers made by hikers to mark the route in case of fog. They are very particular constructions, called “stoanmandln” (stone men) in German.

Keep on going in the middle of the greenery, you will admire the Pala di Santa on the left. The track layout and the Pampeago pastures dotted with cows are evident. We approach the first stretch of stones and rocks: on the left there is the junction with path no. 22 which leads to the Mayerl Alm. This is the Latemar Panorama, one of the itineraries of the Latemarium Dolomiti-Unesco.

We continue the walk on the stony path in front of us. We quickly gain altitude and reach a grassy saddle where we can stop to admire the panorama. We continue on the path which zigzags between steep pastures on our right and white rocks on our left. Looking up we see our destination much closer while, on the right, we see the village of Predazzo from above.

The path bends to the left and arrives at the base of a small scree which can be easily overcome by taking the path further to the left. From here you will only go up on a stony and, at times, rocky path. This stretch is very interesting for geology. In fact, among the typical white rocks, you will notice some very dark veins. It is porphyry, the remains 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.

Continuing on the path, in a few minutes you reach the last rock steps that lead to the top, the Rifugio Torre di Pisa (renovated in the summer 2016). The view from here is amazing!

The 360° view ranges from the mostly porphyritic Lagorai chain to the granite massif of Cima d’Asta. On the left the Pale di San Martino stand out with their unmistakable appearance. Continuing on the left, the more experienced will recognize Monte Civetta, Pelmo and Antelao. Then you can see Marmolada, Tofana di Mezzo and Piz Boè. While the bell towers of the Latemar block the view of the Catinaccio which is just behind.

Looking west, we can admire two giants of Trentino Alto Adige in the distance: the Ortler and the Cevedale followed by the Brenta Dolomites, Presanella and Corno di Cavento.

It takes very little before being able to admire the famous Torre di Pisa rock from the top.

Once you reach it, continue walking from the Rifugio Torre di Pisa along the path no.516, direction Forcella dei Camosci. Proceeding behind the Rifugio from the helicopter landing pad, you can enjoy a stunning view on the surrounding peaks and you can admire the Torre di Pisa. This spire of Dolomite rock is 40 meters high and it reminds of the most famous Leaning Pisa Tower, the Tuscany city bearing the same name.

After having filled your eyes with this marvel, you can have lunch or a delicious snack at the Rifugio Torre di Pisa. You return on the same route.

Attention! Remember to be at Passo Feudo by 5.15 pm to get the chairlift back down (lift closes at 5.30 pm).