The town's name derives from the verb "falciare" (to mow), necessarily related to the agricultural activity, which was once widely practiced in the area. A municipality scattered throughout the province of Belluno, located in the high basin of the stream Biois and surrounded by the Dolomite peaks of the Focobon and from the those of the Auta massif, on the border with Trentino Alto Adige, Falcade is a popular tourist destination, located at more than 1100 meters above sea level, equipped with modern ski lifts, beautiful illuminated tracks and, on occasion, with artificial snow plants. The city's economy, as well as on tourism, is also based on the production of wood handicrafts.
The area was populated since year 1000 thanks to the important presence of woods from which shelters were built. The first settlement developed at a height of 1300 meters and extended throughout the valley. Already in the XIII century the area was an important commercial route and this gave way to the growth and development of the main centre. The inhabitants imposed to themselves a series of "regole" (a regulation of the lands), which were recognized and legalized also by the Serenissima Republic of Venice, who acquired power over the territory in the XV century, a period in which the Visconti of Milan, the Duke of Tyrol and the Austrian Felzer attacked and seriously devastated the whole valley. After the fall of the Serenissima, the town was conquered by troops of Napoleon. Later it submitted a period of Austrian domain until it was finally included into the Kingdom of Italy.
Attractions:
- the XV century Church of Saints Fabian and Sebastian, which is flanked by a Bell Tower built in 1885 and later characterized and topped by an extremely sharp spire. Inside are preserved several valuable works of art, including a fine XVIII century altarpiece, artwork of the artist Valentino Rovisi, and a wooden Crucifix sculpted by Marchiori by Caviola;
- the Parish Church, dedicated to Mary Immaculate, is newly built from a project designed by the architect Vettorazzo;
- the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii in Villotta;
- the Church of Saint Pius X in Caviola, built in 1958;
- the Church entitled to St. Romedio in Ganz;
- the Studio-Museum of Augusto Murer, a permanent exhibition of the most important of this artist, who was born in Falcade.