The fog was rolling in and out of the mountains the day we arrived at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo), in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy, 75 miles from Venice. Dolomite rock takes its name from a 18th-century French mineralogist, who was one of the first to describe the mineral. It is defined as sedimentary carbonate rock which is composed of more than 50% of the dolomite mineral and has a 1:1 ratio of magnesium to calcium. I believe the fog added greatly to the character of these incredible natural wonders. They are said to be one of the best-known mountain groups in the Alps. The tallest peak, Cima Grande, has an elevation of 9,839 feet.
Until 1919, the peaks formed part of the border between Italy and Austria-Hungary. As a result of World War I, that area of Austria was acquired by Italy. Today, the peaks lie on the border between the Italian provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno and are still a part of the linguistic boundary between German-speaking and Italian-speaking communities.
The Chapel of the Alpines (Cappella deli Alpini) shown in this set was built between 1916-1917 by two infantry corps of the Italian Army.