Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, Italian Dolomites

Rising in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) draw attention with their awe-inspiring beauty and dramatic rock formations. These iconic peaks, part of the Sexten Dolomites range, stand out with their striking triangular silhouettes against the backdrop of a vast alpine landscape. Tre Cime di Lavaredo consists of three distinct peaks: Cima Grande (Big Peak), Cima Ovest (Western Peak), and Cima Piccola (Small Peak). Each peak stands as a testament to the forces of nature that shaped these monumental formations over millions of years from the bed of an ancient seafloor to reaching into the skies.

Formed through the collision of the African and European continents and the gradual erosion of ancient coral reefs and limestone deposits, the sheer vertical walls of Tre Cime di Lavaredo rise sharply above the valley and the town of Auronzo. Cima Grande, the tallest of the three peaks, soars to an impressive height of 2,999 meters, presenting a challenge and allure to mountaineers from around the world. Cima Ovest and Cima Piccola, with their jagged spires and sheer faces, complete the iconic trio.

To get this shot with the sunlight casting a glow on the back of the mountains I had to begin hiking in the dark at 4am. The hike begins from the other side of the mountain, and you make your way down the path on the left side of the photo and slightly off the trail to get to my vantage point. Fortunately even though it was dark, the full moon was out lighting up the entire area.

There's more to this area than just mountains .The peaks served as a strategic vantage point during the first world war. Found carved into the mountainsides, remnants of trenches, tunnels, and fortifications still stand as reminders of the conflict that unfolded in these heights. Soldiers from both sides endured extreme conditions as they fought for control over these commanding peaks.