Cimitero Militare di Pocol
A mysterious military memorial above Cortina, honoring WWI fallen with a striking tower and walls of names.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for architecture
Cimitero Militare di Pocol
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mysterious military memorial above Cortina, honoring WWI fallen with a striking tower and walls of names.
"Impressive memorial with atmosphere that gives you the chills. You should definitely visit it when you are near Pocol."
🚗 Poor Signage Alert
The monument is surprisingly poorly signposted. Plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost.
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and respectfully. This is a place of remembrance for soldiers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ossuary Tower
Central structure
A striking round tower from within, square from without, housing the names of thousands of fallen soldiers.
Wall of Names
Interior walls
Thousands of names inscribed on the walls, a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Panoramic Views
Exterior, upper levels (limited access)
Offers a splendid panorama of Cortina and the surrounding mountains, though upper floors are often inaccessible.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Poor Signage Alert
The monument is surprisingly poorly signposted. Plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost.
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and respectfully. This is a place of remembrance for soldiers.
🚫 Limited Access
Unfortunately, access to upper floors is often restricted, limiting the panoramic views.
💰 Consider a Donation
There's a suggestion to charge an entrance fee for maintenance, so consider donating if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Poor Signage Alert
The monument is surprisingly poorly signposted. Plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost.
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and respectfully. This is a place of remembrance for soldiers.
🚫 Limited Access
Unfortunately, access to upper floors is often restricted, limiting the panoramic views.
💰 Consider a Donation
There's a suggestion to charge an entrance fee for maintenance, so consider donating if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cimitero Militare di Pocol to be a mysterious and impressive memorial with a powerful atmosphere, honoring thousands of fallen soldiers. While its historical significance and unique architecture are praised, many note issues with poor signage, limited access to upper levels, and the challenging access road.
"Mysterious place! The feeling you get when you enter this amazing memorial is Undescribable! Whole building is around round tower from inside but square from outside! All those names on the walls…really worth stopping by. They close at 17:00 during summer. WWI AND WWII fans will love it. Others can admire its mysteriousness!"
Pavel Bodiš
"Impressive memorial with atmosphere that gives you the chills. You should definitely visit it when you are near Pocol."
Pavol Rajzak
"The isolated and quiet village of Pocol is home to a Military Memorial that holds approximately ten thousand soldiers who fell in the surrounding mountains during the Great War. Visible from the center of Cortina, the Memorial rises like a medieval tower amidst the green woods. The ossuary, at an altitude of 1,535 meters above sea level, is worth a visit for what it represents, but also for the splendid panorama it offers. It was built in the 1930s, during the Fascist regime, which honored the combatants with austerity and grandeur, respect and reflection. The entrance is flanked by stone busts depicting Alpine soldiers and several cannons."
Fiorentino Stornaiuolo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located near Pocol, above Cortina d'Ampezzo. The access road is described as a 'mule track,' so a car is recommended, though it can be challenging. It's poorly signposted, so GPS is essential.
Parking information is scarce, but given the 'mule track' access road, parking might be limited and challenging. Arrive early if possible.
Public transport options are not widely advertised for this specific location. It's best to check local bus schedules for routes near Pocol and be prepared for a walk.
The ossuary is situated at an altitude of 1,535 meters above sea level, offering potentially stunning mountain views.
While some visitors have explored in winter, the 'mule track' road could be challenging or impassable due to snow. Check local conditions before attempting to visit in winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices is not readily available, and some sources suggest it might be free to enter, though there's a suggestion for a fee to support maintenance.
The memorial typically closes around 5:00 PM, especially during the summer months. It's advisable to confirm exact hours before your visit.
Unfortunately, access to the upper floors is often restricted, meaning you cannot fully experience the panoramic views.
While not explicitly stated, there's a community suggestion that a fee could be implemented for maintenance, implying it might be free or donation-based currently.
Information on guided tours is not widely available. It's primarily a self-guided memorial experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but remember to be respectful of the solemn nature of the memorial. Capture the atmosphere and architecture thoughtfully.
The exterior architecture, the wall of names, and any accessible viewpoints offer compelling photographic opportunities. The contrast between the structure and the natural surroundings is striking. 
Drone usage regulations vary by location and are often restricted in sensitive areas like military memorials. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
Consider a wide-angle lens for the architecture and a prime lens for capturing details on the inscriptions. Golden hour can provide dramatic lighting.
While not explicitly stated, it's always wise to be discreet and avoid intrusive photography, especially if there are areas of quiet reflection.
🎫 🤔 Onsite Experience
Visitors describe the atmosphere as mysterious, impressive, and giving 'chills.' It's a place for reflection and remembrance.
It's a memorial to approximately ten thousand soldiers who fell in the surrounding mountains during World War I, built during the Fascist regime.
Information on nearby facilities is limited. It's advisable to use facilities in Cortina d'Ampezzo before heading to the memorial.
A visit can be relatively short, perhaps 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you wish to spend reflecting and taking in the surroundings.
Given the 'mule track' access road and potential for uneven terrain, accessibility might be challenging. Upper floors are also inaccessible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the challenging access road and limited facilities. It might be best suited for families with older children who can appreciate the historical context. Ensure children understand the need for respectful behavior in this memorial site.
🏛️ History Buffs & WWI Enthusiasts
While the memorial itself is significant, be aware of the limited accessibility to upper levels and the poor signage. Researching the history of the area and the specific battles fought here beforehand will greatly enhance your visit.
🚶♀️ Solitude Seekers & Contemplative Travelers
Visitors often describe the feeling as mysterious and atmospheric. The lack of crowds, especially during off-peak hours, allows for an undisturbed experience. Be mindful of the respectful nature of the site and approach your visit with a contemplative mindset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance
The architecture itself is notable, featuring a central tower that appears round from the inside but square from the exterior, a design that adds to its mysterious allure. The names of the fallen are inscribed on the interior walls, creating a deeply personal connection for visitors. The memorial's location, high in the mountains near Cortina d'Ampezzo, underscores the harsh conditions faced by soldiers during the war.
While the memorial fulfills its purpose as a place of remembrance, some visitors note a lack of investment in its upkeep and accessibility. The desire to access upper floors for better views and the challenging access road are frequently mentioned points of concern, highlighting a potential for enhanced visitor experience and preservation efforts.
Architectural and Atmospheric Experience
The interior is dominated by the wall of names, a somber and powerful display that lists thousands of soldiers who lost their lives. This feature is often described as deeply moving and is a central element of the visitor experience. The overall ambiance is one of quiet reflection and solemnity, often described as giving visitors 'chills.'
Despite its evocative nature, the memorial's setting amidst tall trees can sometimes obscure its visibility from a distance. Furthermore, the limited access to upper levels means that the full potential of the panoramic views over Cortina is not always realized, a point of disappointment for some.
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