The Giau Pass, in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites just a short distance from Cortina d’Ampezzo, is not only about breathtaking landscapes — it is also a gateway to a fascinating past. Right here, in the enchanting site of Pra Comun (San Vito di Cadore), the seventh archaeological excavation campaign has resumed, ready to uncover the mysteries of local prehistory.
The Secrets of Passo Giau
In July 2025, professors and students from the prestigious Universities of Ferrara and Naples resumed excavation work, unearthing remarkable artifacts that tell incredible stories. Flint tools, evidence of ancient craftsmanship, and even shell ornaments originating from the Danube region have been found — tangible proof of long-distance trade and contact networks.
But that’s not all: the digs also revealed animal bones, mostly deer, providing insight into the hunting habits of our ancestors. It appears that these Mesolithic hunters took shelter beneath a large overhanging boulder, where they stretched skins over poles for protection from the elements.
Over the years, the research has uncovered not only flint shards — often by-products of weapon-making — but also structural evidence of another crucial activity: the exploitation of galena, a mineral used to extract lead. It’s no coincidence that the Pra Comun site is located just steps from the ancient mines of Col Piombino.
It is fascinating to note that the materials discovered at Pra Comun are contemporaneous with those from Mondeval, the famed site where a prehistoric hunter was found buried beneath a rock shelter. The boulder at Pra Comun served as a landmark for millennia — first for hunters, then for shepherds — and was used continuously from the Mesolithic to the medieval period. Archaeologists are now expanding their investigations to map every layer of human occupation, offering a fuller picture of human evolution in these valleys.
The summer excavation campaign, led by archaeologist Federica Fontana from the University of Ferrara, is just one part of the effort. Archaeologists spend many additional months in the lab, carefully analyzing the finds. But their work doesn’t stop there: public outreach is essential! Research is published, shared on social media, and presented at local conferences. Guided tours of the excavation site attract large numbers of residents and tourists each year, eager to learn more and ask questions about heritage preservation and sustainable development. It’s a unique opportunity for curious minds and history lovers to experience the past up close and discover how our ancestors lived.
This valuable research and outreach effort is made possible thanks to the support of local institutions and administrations, including the Municipality and Regole of San Vito di Cadore, and the Municipality of Selva. Last year, for the first time, a conference was held in Cortina with support from private companies, and the 2024 excavation campaign was funded by private donors, coordinated by the former President of the Regole of San Vito.
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