Art&Style

A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò

Rooms overlooking the Dolomites in a village that has remained unchanged since the 16th century

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets

In Fornesighe, a small village of wooden and stone houses that seems to have been plucked from a fairytale, stands Locanda Nona Giò, offering two rooms with views of the Dolomites and the pleasure of a true mountain breakfast featuring the flavors of the Zoldo Valley.

A small 16th-century village in the heart of the Dolomites

Born from the restoration of an ancient historic residence reopened in 2023, the Locanda is more than just a place to sleep, but a sensory experience that celebrates the culture of the Zoldo Valley. The scent of Swiss pine, the handcrafted finishes, and the breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks create an atmosphere of absolute peace, ideal for those seeking a quiet luxury, blended with silence and authenticity.

Jasmeen and Giuseppe, from Domodossola and Conegliano respectively, after various experiences in Copenhagen and Venice, chose to come and live in this village of 100 souls. A village reminiscent of a nativity scene, nestled in a valley where some of the finest blacksmiths, carpenters, and pastry chefs lived and worked, contributing to the majestic history of the Veneto region, from the shape of gondolas to its traditional sweets.

A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets
A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets

A haven for the soul, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, between Mount Pelmo and Mount Civetta, in a small valley famous for providing wood, iron, and sweetness to the Serenissima Republic of Venice.

Rooms Between Wood and Design

The Locanda offers two rooms located on the upper floor, directly above the restaurant. Each is a unique nest, where contemporary design interacts with the history of the place, like the antique wooden skis hanging on the walls, and with large windows that transform the landscape into a living painting of the Dolomites.

The highlight of the Locanda Nona Gio is the moment of awakening. Here, a mountain breakfast is more than just a simple meal, but a ritual that pays homage to the flavors of the area and the generosity of nature.

A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets
A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets

Awakening the Senses: The True Mountain Breakfast

Each ingredient tells the story of a small local producer, transforming breakfast into a gastronomic journey through the trails of the Zoldo Valley. Giuseppe has extensive experience as a chef, including at the Michelin-starred Local restaurant in Venice, while Jasmeen is a baker and pastry chef specializing in sourdough leavening.

Imagine sitting in a cozy room as the morning light filters through the windows, illuminating a table laden with the best of local produce:
Dairy Art: freshly made mountain cheeses with the intense flavor of mountain herbs, accompanied by mountain butter flavored with fresh cream and yogurt from the Cooperativa Agordino Latteria di Vallata
Homemade Sweets: freshly baked cakes, muffins, croissants, and various types of bread, along with homemade jams or jams from the La Giasena farm
Alpine Energy: honey from the Dolomites, pure fruit juices, and apple juice from the Succo degli Angeli farm.

A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets
A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets

The Room with a View and the “Larìn”

You can choose to have breakfast in the large outdoor terrace or in the characteristic dining room.

Furnished in the typical style of the area, it features a modern larìn (fireplace) in the center and is surrounded by old 17th-century larchwood benches restored by Grandma Giovanna, the lady who once lived in the house and who gave the inn its name.

The stylish details are intriguing, such as the lampshades made from antique shovels and the rakes used as glass holders on the walls.

A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets
A true mountain breakfast at Locanda Nona Giò — Veneto Secrets

High-Altitude Adventures: Outdoor in the Zoldo Valley

Fornesighe is the perfect starting point for exploring the wild soul of the Zoldo Dolomites; just ask Giuseppe for any advice. From here, you can also visit other famous destinations, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo or the Giau Pass, an hour’s drive away, or Cibiana, the village of murals, just twenty minutes away.

Locanda Nona Giò is the ideal destination for a romantic weekend or a digital detox, lulled by the rhythm of nature and the purring of Majestic, the restaurant’s white cat mascot, beloved by all guests.

The Secret

A magical, unspoiled place, Fornesighe is the only village in the Zoldo Valley that has never suffered a fire in its long history and, therefore, is the only one that can still convey the charm of being populated by ancient wooden houses and tabià dating back to the 16th century.

Useful Info

Locanda Nona Giò
Via Ruis 3/A
32012 Fornesighe, Belluno
Tel. +39 380 1387866

Rooms: from €120, “mountain” breakfast available upon request for €13

A few minutes from the village center, there are three parking lots where we recommend leaving your car and walking to the inn.

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