Arabba - winter holidays for everyone
Arabba, “Reba” in ladin language, at the base of Sella Massif and on foot of Pordoi and Campolongo passes, is perfectly inserted in one of the most amazing and fantastic carousels in the world, the SellaRonda.
Hearth of the Dolomites at 1602 meters, is one of the most characteristic villages, ideal for unforgettable holidays either in winter or in summer. Arabba is the pearl of Dolomiti stars, the touristic comprensorio which includes the Consortiums of Belluno area: Marmolada, Falcade Tre Valli and SkiCivetta.
Relax, sport, pleasure, tradition and innovation are the ingredients which make Arabba a unique place, one step from the clouds.
Historical and cultural aspects of the valley.
The far past of Arabba begins with a small, wonderful church, consecrated to the apostles Peter and Paul during the second half of the 17th Century. We know very little about the history prior to this date.
There are conflicting theories about a possible apocalypse, disaster, or flood, but most definitely a catastrophe, of which only two families survived: one at the Pizzach and one on the opposite heights of the Cherz.
The legend tells that one family lighted a fire and the other family responded by lighting a fire too: that's how they found each other and the village started growing again. Like in every legend, there is probably also a grain of truth in this one, and the name Arabba could be a confirmation of this grain of truth: in Ladin it means Rèba, from royba, the avalanche, or from rebia, the avalanche or the river that goes over the shore.
There is also a field at the bottom of the Burz Mountain, where a cross has been placed for many years.
This cross has always been called the Old Church: maybe this is the place of the old settlement.
Interesting sights
The Andraz Castle
Churches and Chapels in the deanery of Livinallongo
Ladin Museum of Livinallongo
The memorial place for soldiers at the Pordoi Pass, where the remains of victims from World War I are kept.
The war cemetery of Pian di Salesei di Pian di Salesei
The "Forte la Corte" fortress is situated between Pieve and Arabba in Corte. (Ruins)
The old mill, in which for centuries the people of Arabba milled rye and barley, it is risked to go in ruin. The Municipality of Pieve di Livinallongo has financed the restoration of the museum. Studio Manfroi did an excellent job with the restoration. This is how the museum was saved and became the site for the memorial place, a real masterpiece.
Sports and spare time
Apart from skiing Arabba offers many more possibilities for your amusement: the Ice Stadium where you can try ice skating to music daily, or renting a snow mobile at the Plan Boè hut, which is the starting point for the snow mobile trail.
If you want to spend your day somewhat differently, you can take a beautiful excursion on snow shoes and ski poles especially on the Altopiano del Cherz, which is an impressing area surrounded by the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. In the evening you can enjoy your dinner in mountain huts, to which you will be brought by our snow grooming machines; some hotels in the village also have a piano bar. Every third Monday of the month a market with various goods takes place in the square in Arabba.
