Voltago Agordino

In 1873, the English writer Amelia B. Edwards, who was travelling through the Dolomites, arrived to Voltago Agordino. Here you have her impressions of the village: "Thus we reached and passed Voltago a picturesque village surrounded by green fir-woods and slopes of Indian corn. In the valley below gleamed Agordo, with its white dome; and against the Eastern horizon rose the pinky peaks of Monte Lasteie, the shadowy ridge of Monte Pramper, and the strange, solitary needle called the Gusella di Vescova, like a warning finger pointing to the sky. Next came a cherry country, thick with orchards full of scarlet fruit..."*

And Voltago is a fairy tale still today. The hamlet, only 5 km far from Agordo, and towered by the imposing shape of Mount Agner is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the green of nature.

Here the lovers of sport can practice horse-riding at the horse school, 4 km far from the village, enjoy hikes or mountain bike excursions among the woods around the village or climb Mt. Agnèr (2872 m) where in summer you can taste delicious dairy products in the homonymous mountain hut. In winter, the lovers of ski can practice their favourite sport in the very close Forcella Aurine ski area, or in the other ski resorts situated on the outskirts - it just takes few minutes by car.

Splendours from the past

It is worth a visit to the centuries old parish church which is considered the most ancientin the area.In a document dated 1338 it is quoted as "a beautiful gothic building with the apse looking eastwards". It was rebuilt in 1630, and the bell tower in 1707. Till the XV century the church was included in the parish of Agordo and dedicated to Saint Thomas, built separately and dedicated to the Saints Vittore and Corona in 1775. Inside there are three altars made of golden wood and two pictures by Francesco Frigimelica (one represents the two titular saints, the other Our Lady). What remains of the ancient church is the choir, nowadays turned into sacristy, decorated with frescoes depicting the Doctors of the Church.**

The legend

According to a legend, Saint Martin wanted to save the child Agordo from the waters of the lake which occupied the whole hollow, and for that reason he cut the natural dam at Castei with his sword. The lake emptied and left the little village of Voltago.**

History

There are many episodes of collective history still in the memory of Voltago people, and in particular two episodes dating back to the last century: the Madonna's apparitions during the '30s and the mourns and destructions of the II World War in October, 12 1944.**

Art

The lyric poems by Gianni De Col, famous poet native of Voltago, still resound in the village. His poetry can be celebrated along with Noè Pollazzon's masterpieces: this great painter was able to immortalize nice views of his native little town. Nowadays, Voltago boasts another well-known artist: Uto Ughi. Also this famous violin virtuoso has Voltago origins.** *Edwards Amelia B., Untrodden Peaks and Unfrequented Valleys, London: Longman's, Green and Co., 1873.

**Extract from "C'era una volta... Voltago, il Paese dei Ciliegi".