The Environment
Monte Santo di Lussari rises 1789 metres above sea level to the south of Camporosso, dominating the entire Valcanale area and the Tarvisio basin. It presents an enchanting landscape of spruce and alpine larch woodland. Its summit provides one of the widest and most splendid panoramic views in the Alps. On particularly clear days it is possible to see over 250 peaks of the Cadorine Dolomites, the Carnic Alps, the Austrian Tauri, the Grossglockner, the Carinthian Caravanche, the Mangart Group, the Slovenian Tricorno and, to the south, peaks ranging from the Cima del Cacciatore to the majestic Jof Fuart and Jof di Montasio Groups, these last two forming a single and imposing north-facing wall. Perhaps even more pleasing than the marvellous prospect from Lussari is the view from the cleft beneath the Cima del Cacciatore (2034 metres), overlooking the Slovenian Julian Alps, Mangart, Jof Fuart, and the wild green Riofreddo Valley. Beyond the glacial cwm on the opposite side lies the Tauri range. The ancient tradition of summer grazing, which was a factor in the foundation of the Sanctuary, continues in the nearby Lussari summer pastures. Cows wander through the pastures to the chimes of their large cowbells, adding a further touch of colour to the mountain landscape. In the forest down below woodcutters do their work, with modern tools but under the entitlement of ancient rights.