The Mondeval Man burial is one of the most complete and well-preserved Mesolithic archaeological finds in the entire Alpine region.
The museum holds fossils dating back 230 million years to the Triassic period, documenting when the Dolomites were part of a tropical marine environment.
The site includes documentation on the historical 'ferraria' or iron-working furnaces that were active in the valley until the 18th century.
The dinosaur footprints at Monte Pelmetto, displayed via casts in the museum, were the first to be discovered in the Dolomites in 1980.
The museum is named after Vittorino Cazzetta, a local researcher and self-taught archaeologist who discovered the Mondeval burial site while exploring the mountains.
The Museo Vittorino Cazzetta, located in Selva di Cadore, serves as a primary repository for the prehistoric and geological history of the Val Fiorentina region. The museum is renowned for housing the burial remains and funerary equipment of the 'Mondeval Man,' a Mesolithic hunter who lived approximately 7,500 years ago. The archaeological collection features lithic artifacts, such as backed points and scrapers, recovered from the high-altitude site of Mondeval de Sora. In addition to archaeology, the facility maintains a significant paleontology section featuring original Triassic period fossils and casts of dinosaur footprints found on Monte Pelmetto. The museum also preserves a local history wing dedicated to the traditions, agriculture, and industrial history of the Val Fiorentina valley. The building itself is integrated into the architectural context of the village of Selva di Cadore.
The display case containing the primary burial artifacts of the Mondeval Man.
Combine your visit with a hike to the Mondeval de Sora plateau to see the exact site where the prehistoric remains were recovered.
Use the provided educational panels to understand the transition from marine life to Alpine peaks that defines the local geology.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition space, which often highlights specific local crafts or seasonal mountain history themes.
Do not treat this as a large-scale metropolitan museum; it is a specialized local institution that requires focused attention to appreciate its specific archaeological significance.
The museum often operates on a seasonal basis, with extended hours during the summer tourist season and limited or weekend-only access during the off-season.
