The Cinque Torri rock formations are composed of Contrin Formation limestone, dating back to the Middle Triassic period.
During World War I, the Cinque Torri area was a strategic Italian artillery position overlooking the Austrian lines on Mount Lagazuoi.
The open-air museum contains reconstructed trenches, barracks, and command posts used by the Italian Army from 1915 to 1917.
The Cinque Torri are internationally renowned as a climbing site, featuring over 200 routes of varying difficulty.
The 'Torre Grande' is the largest of the five rocks, reaching a height of 2,361 meters.
The Seggiovia Cinque Torri is a chairlift system providing direct access from the Bai de Dones area to the Cinque Torri mountain group in the Italian Dolomites. It serves as a primary transit point for hikers, climbers, and history enthusiasts visiting the Open Air Museum of the Great War. The lift climbs to Rifugio Scoiattoli, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,255 meters. From the upper station, visitors access a network of trails surrounding the distinct limestone rock formations known as the 'five towers.' The area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lift system operates as a vital connection for both summer trekking and winter skiing infrastructure within the Dolomiti Superski circuit.
The terrace of Rifugio Scoiattoli offers a panoramic view of the full Cinque Torri group with the Tofana di Rozes in the background.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots, as the terrain around the towers is rocky and uneven.
Check weather reports specifically for high-altitude mountain conditions before departure, as clouds can obscure the towers rapidly.
Bring a light windbreaker or fleece, even in summer, as temperatures at the upper station are significantly lower than in the valley.
Do not attempt to climb the towers without professional equipment and local knowledge; do not wander off-trail into restricted historical zones.
The lift operates seasonally, typically opening for the summer hiking season from June through September and the winter ski season from December through April.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile alpine vegetation and historical trench sites.
