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Hotel Borgo Valbelluna

Local shops: Borgo Valbelluna

Borgo Valbelluna: a journey through nature, art and history in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites

Born from the union of Mel, Trichiana and Lentiai, Borgo Valbelluna is a destination that captivates with its variety of landscapes, rich historical and artistic heritage, and abundant opportunities for active tourism. Located in the southern part of Belluno Province, along the Piave River and at the foot of the Venetian Pre-Alps, this region is a true treasure trove of natural and cultural attractions.

Discover Mel – One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages

Mel, recognized among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club Italiano, serves as the historic and cultural heart of Borgo Valbelluna. Perched on a hilltop, the village offers stunning views among ancient palaces, museums, Venetian villas, and the renowned Castello di Zumelle, dating back to Roman times. Today restored and open to the public, the castle hosts a medieval-style restaurant and B&B, and holds regular events and guided tours.

Between the castle and the hamlet of Villa di Villa lies a hidden gem: the Grotta Azzurra, a mysterious turquoise-blue cave reachable via an easy 30-minute walk along the Rui stream from Castello di Zumelle. Mel also preserves significant archaeological treasures such as the Paleovenetian Necropolis, whose artifacts are kept in the Civic Archaeological Museum, and historical buildings like Palazzo delle Contesse (an exhibition venue), Casa Fulcis, the 14th-century Barbuio-Gaio residence, and the evocative Church of the Addolorata featuring 16th–17th century paintings.

Trichiana – The Village of Books

Known as the ‘Village of Books’ for its national literary award, Trichiana is where history and landscape meet in harmony. Strategically located between Belluno and Treviso provinces thanks to the San Boldo Pass and proximity to the Piave River, it is home to numerous Venetian villas scattered across its hamlets: Villa Montalban at Pialdier, Villa Alpago Novello at Frontin, Villa Agosti at Villanova, Villa Piloni at Casteldardo and Carfagnoi, and Villa Girlesio at Sant’Antonio di Tortal. Near Casteldardo, close to Villa Piloni, stands a medieval turret – the sole remains of the ancient Casteldardo castle. These villas can be discovered via the easy “Villa Tour”, a 3‑hour walking route.

Trichiana is also a hotspot for ecotourism, featuring the Pranolz and Busnador wetlands, the Ponte di San Felice river area, and the dramatic Brent de l’Art gorge carved by the Ardo stream.

Lentiai – Art, Blooming Landscapes and Breathtaking Views

On the left bank of the Piave River, Lentiai unfolds into a gentle, green landscape of hills, cultivated fields, and historic buildings. At its center stands the majestic Arcipretal Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a national monument housing artworks by masters such as Titian, Palma the Younger and Paolo Veronese.

Every spring, visitors are drawn to Pian de Coltura, a panoramic plateau famous for its stunning narcissus bloom (picking is strictly prohibited!). Stretching from the valley to Monte Garda’s 1,330 m peak, Lentiai offers a variety of trails for all levels: easy valley walks along the Piave or near Lago di Busche (with its summer leisure area), marked nordic walking routes at the Stride Walk Fit Park between Mel and Lentiai, and more challenging hikes up Monte Artent and Monte Garda. A highlight is the alpine malga (dairy farm) on Monte Garda, open for cheese tastings and sales, affording panoramic views over the entire Valbelluna. Close by stands the historic Capitello Garda, originally built in the 1500s (later rebuilt), marking the mountain boundary between Lentiai and Valdobbiadene.

Other notable outings include the 12 Chapels Trail from Lentiai to Colderù and the Nature Trail between San Gervasio and Colderù. Mountain bikers can enjoy the Malghe Loop and Narcissus Valley Circuit, while enthusiasts of horseback riding and canyoning on the Rimonta stream also have dedicated routes.

Lentiai also hosts historic villas such as Villa Cristini, Villa Zatta and Villa de Mozzi-Mione, and features a Civic Ethnographic Museum that showcases more than 1,000 artifacts illustrating local peasant life.

A Destination for Year‑Round Discovery

Borgo Valbelluna pulses with a vibrant calendar of cultural, gastronomic and sports events: from art exhibitions at Palazzo delle Contesse to music and theatre festivals, local fairs, and historical reenactments at Castello di Zumelle. Highlights include autumn’s “Mele a Mel”, the “Settembre Zumellese”, Lentiai’s Grand Gala, and the Melere Festival.