In the first World War, Belluno’s territory was on the frontline. The mountains of Belluno were a war zone where many trenches were built and are currently open to visitors, providing a priceless open air museum. The Bellunese frontier was called the Dolomites front.

Some of the most spectacular sites are located on Mount Piana and on Lagazuoi as well as in Cadore. 

In particular the Mount Piana site holds an emblematic importance. In the first days of June 1915 it was the scene of a bloody battle between the italian and the austrian  troops where hundreds died due to the lack of any shelter because of its levelled conformation. 

Many volunteers  also fought for their country and on the dolomitic front they were mainly coming from the province of Belluno. Two of the most important volunteer units were based in Feltre and in Pieve di Cadore and remained operational throughout the entire war period of time without ever losing  their ability to operate.

The fights were so destructive that an entire generation was lost. This phenomenon is known as the “lost generation” and didn’t affect only belluno but the all over population of the countries at war.

Between 1917 and 1918 the province was occupied by Austrian and German troops, the year of the occupation is locally known as “an de la fam” which means: the year of the famine. It was a devastating time in this province’s history marked by every kind of violence and the lack of supplies. Everything in possession of the population was taken by the intruders which led 20.000 people to leave their homes and escape, known as the refugees of the Piave. 

On November 1st, 1918  the Italian armies were able to re-take the territory but the aftermath was terrible.