Geographically speaking, if one can say that, the Dolomites are a mountain range in the north east of Italy which form the border with Austria, running from the river Adige in the west across to the river Piave in the east and pretty much equally shared in terms of size between the Italian provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino.
Nicknamed the pale mountains for their light granite hue, they are renowned for absorbing the colours of the sky, glowing tones of beautiful pinks and electric blues as the days weave their way from dawn to dusk.
Jagged peaks soar brutally above emerald green pastures, dense forests and shimmering lakes, razor sharp spires forming the backdrop to these wonderful creations which nature has carved out over millions of years.
Peaking at the dizzying height of 3,300 metres on La Marmolada, a mere 100 kilometres northwest of Venice, the Dolomites have a sub-culture of their own and are home to a mesmerising array of awe-inspiring activities and visual and sensual pastimes which will leave you wanting to return time and time again.
Cison di Valmarino
Stirred’s home is Villa Casagrande, a stunning, privately owned 15th century Palazzo which dominates the main square of the village of Cison di Valmarino. Named recently as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy – and the most beautiful in the region of the Veneto – Cison sits right at the foothills of the Dolomites which rise up dramatically beyond the confines of the village and provide a breath-taking backdrop to this magical location.
The alpine influence is unmistakeable in this hidden gem in Northern Italy, from the architecture and robust regional cuisine to the purity of air and icy freshness of the water (you can drink from the taps here) and its simple nature and authenticity are totally enchanting.
Food and drink are clearly never far from the forefront of our minds at Stirred and we recognise the influence that these have on our surroundings and vice versa. Our real passion, though, is to absorb everything that makes our environment so rich and culturally diverse and goes to create a unique microcosm brimming with excitement and individuality.
