Lago di Misurina Historical Timeline

Origins

The lake is natural, lying in a basin among the Cadini and Sorapiss groups, fed by snowmelt and springs rather than by any major stream.

Turning points

Its microclimate -- dry, still, at altitude, and free of the pollen and damp of lower ground -- was identified in the twentieth century as unusually good for respiratory illness.

Influential people

The Istituto Pio XII was established on the lakeside as a centre for childhood asthma, and remains the only facility of its type in Italy. Children come for extended stays.

Cultural evolution

At the 1956 Cortina Winter Olympics, the speed skating events were staged on the frozen surface of the lake. It was the last Olympic speed skating competition held on natural ice; every Games since has used an artificial rink.

Present-day significance

Misurina is now mainly known as the gateway to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo -- the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo climbs from here -- which brings it a great deal of traffic it did not ask for.