It is a cultural association born with the aim to defend and enhance Cortina's traditions. In particular way, to maintain and to develop the socio-linguist culture linked to the traditional Ladin language of the valley.
Artistic craftwork
In Cortina there is an Art High School since 1846. Many local craftsmen come from this school. Some of them are extraordinary artists who work on timber, iron, glass, materials, brass, and painting on timber and glass.
Also many influences from abroad complement the local artistic tradition. For instance the indian technique of Tar-Kashi is well developed, with the decoration of timber with mother-of-pearl, silver, and other materials.
Musical tradition is very important in the Ampezzo valley. Since 1861 there is the Cortina Musical Band, which successfully runs a Music School with more than 150 pupils.
The Cortina Choir, with its 30 singers, has now been in activity for 30 years. With its vast and varied repertoire is one of the best male choirs in Italy, and its singing is appreciated all over the world.
The Schola Cantorum is a polyphonic choir consisting of 40 singers specialised in holy music. From its beginning, back in 1882, the choir accompanies Sunday Mass at 10am and all the most important religious moments in the main Cortina church. One of these most special occasion is Midnight Mass on the 24th December.
Churches
The church of St. Filippo & Giacomo was built in 1775 with the direction of architect Promperg. Several artists have contributed to the building. There are sculptures by Andrea Brustolon, paintings by Francesco A. Zeiler, Giuseppe Zanchi, Luigi Gillarduzzi and Giuseppe Ghedina. Between 1851 and 1858 the tower bell was built. This is today one of the symbols of Cortina.
As the serious risk of a barbaric invasion was avoided, tradition says that the building of the church "Santuario della Difesa" was commissioned in 1480, as thanking to the Madonna. The church was later rebuilt in 1743. There are some nice sculptures in the rococo style, and frescoes by Zeiler.
The Queen of the Dolomites is a pole of attraction for famous artists all over the world. Among these are De Pisis, De Chirico, Hemingway, Mahler, Comisso, Alberto Moravia, Montale. Other artists and writers have chosen it as the place to settle in, such as Squitteri, Balsamo, Milena Milani, Rolly Marchi.
Many writers like to come to Cortina to present their new books, and many famous people like to meet here for conferences and congresses.
Also among its native people does Cortina have some famous artists.
Books
The Civic Library of Cortina d’Ampezzo (Corso Italia, 83 - Phone 0436/861353 Fax 0436/866385) was opened to the public in 1970. It is housed on the first floor of the Old Townhall at 83, Corso Italia. The library consists of four rooms with a seating capacity of about 55 for reading and consultation. The bibliography is rich in 21,300 volumes and particular attention is given to local historic and cultural themes.
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