A sumptuous tour through the private homes, castles, hotels, traditions and legends of the Italian town known as the crown jewel of the Dolomites

The setting for numerous films from The Pink Panther to For Your Eyes Only, a refuge for writers including Hemingway and Montanelli, and a haven for international celebrities, the magic of Cortina d’Ampezzo sparkles anew as it plans to cohost the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Discovered by tourists, including the Italian and Belgian royal families, at the beginning of the 20th century, Cortina’s appeal has spread worldwide thanks in part to its hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics.

This volume is an unprecedented and gorgeously illustrated tale of the “Queen of the Dolomites,” born out of love for her inimitable style, for her history and for the protection of her spaces. It is a grand tour through the most beautiful and lesser-known localities of the Ampezzo valley, with an exceptional guide—author Servane Giol—who takes us on a journey to discover private homes, castles, malgas (mountain huts), hotels, folklore traditions, ancient legends, examples of excellence in food and wine and recipes typical to the region.

Divided into two chapters, Summer and Winter, the book showcases photography of some of the magnificent valley’s most exclusive places, including the “humble” abodes of Italy’s famous families. Contemporary sensibilities mingle with rustic roots. From wood-paneled cabins to floral-painted furniture, home-cooked feasts and traditional dress, this publication richly cultivates the sights, smells, tastes, textures and sounds of life in Italy’s leading mountainside destination.

Servane Giol is the cultural director of the Alliance Française of Venice. Her book Soul of Venice (2020) received the silver medal at the 2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards. She has previously published Venice: A Private Invitation (Flammarion, 2022).