I pra de Armentara
Testimony to the ancient bond between humans and mountains
The Armentara pastures cover an area of about 280 ha at an altitude between 1,670 and 2,050 m on a plateau at the foot of the Sas dla Crusc. Nestled in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, which is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, they testify the ancient connection that exists between humankind and the mountains.
As you enter the Armentara plateau, you move as if you were in a botanical garden through a natural environment characterised by centuries of agricultural experience. Attentive and curious hikers can look forward to spotting over 60 different bird species and countless plant varieties. Among them, you can admire extremely rare species such as Arnica, Anomones as well as different Orchid varieties.
The peaceful silence and panoramic view on the surrounding landscape add a very special charm to these meadows, transforming them into a "place of the heart" from the very first moment. An excursion to this area below the majestic Sas dla Crusc is more than just about sport. It also means devoting oneself to the serenity of this magical place, set between the peaks of the Dolomites and dense forests of spruces, stone pines and larches.
A report, result of a study commissioned by the South Tyrolean Department for Nature Parks in 1998, confirmed the existence of a species-rich flora as well as the presence of at least 61 bird species – including rare birds such as the Eurasian three-toed woodpecker, red-backed shrike, Eurasian pygmy owl or the black grouse. There is hardly any other area in South Tyrol where such a variety of habitats can be found as on the Pra de Armantara.
Natura 2000
The Armentara pastures are listed among the Natura 2000 areas in South Tyrol.
This Europe-wide project aims at creating a network of protected areas to safeguard natural and semi-natural habitats as well as wildlife and vegetation on a long-term basis, and thereby preserve biodiversity. In order to realise these goals, it is necessary to reconcile economics of nature with the specific needs and ecological peculiarities of the area.
