Dolomitibus 440 (FR 875 MV) at Passo Falzarego - 20 Aug 2023 (JLS15) (Photo courtesy of Jane Slater)

Sunday 20 August 2023 - Passo Falzarego is a high mountain pass in the Dolomites mountain range in the South Tirol region of north east Italy over which crosses the Great Dolomites Road (SS48). The region borders Austria with the main spoken languages in the area being Italian and German together with Ladin.

During World War 1 the steep rock faces were the scene of heavy fighting between Austria and Italy. Between 1915 and 1917 the area around the Pass was a no man’s land between the front lines of the opposing armies. A memorial to this conflict stands close to the cable car station for the link to Lagazuoi mountain. The only other buildings at the summit house a couple of catering establishments, the larger of which is also a shop.

The road is impassable in winter but during summer the pass is very popular with visitors and is the meeting point of some regular route bus services.

Buses from the east and south of the pass include Dolomitibus SpA which is owned by the Province of Belluno. Their Setra bus 440 (FR 875 MV) was seen at Passo Falzarego prior to working the 0920 service to Cortina Anpezzo, a journey of 40 minutes.

(Photo by Jane Slater- JLS15)