UNESCO World Heritage Site- say no more. We saved a lot of energy taking the ski lift- then there's a well marked trail. This is the one German speaking part of Italy, so you start seeing Actung signs. I did a lot of smiling & nodding passing Italians & Germans.
Gave up before the summit- there's a large stone bench where everyone stops for photos with the giant eagle statue.
The air is pure, you're above the clouds, cow bells & associated aromas.
Definitely worth a detour, off season when it's not snowing and the crowds are less.
About the eagle:
https://www.sentres.com/mobile/en/poi/monument/monument-to-christomannos/61283548/
"At heights, along the Costalunga Pass a monument to Theodor Christomannos was erected.
The monument to Christomannos, a bronze eagle, was dedicated to the politician and pioneer of south Tyrolean tourism Theodor Christomannos (1854 - 1911). The influential politician considered the kick-start of South Tyrolean economy as his life mission. His passion for rock-climbing and mountaineering meant he dedicated himself particularly to alpine tourism and to the expansion of the region's road network.
The region owes the Rotwandhütte (Roda di Vael) mountain refuge in the south oriental part of the Catinaccio to him. The monument dedicated to him is situated in the vicinities. The eagle was built in 1912. After being partially destroyed, the powerful bronze statue that measures 2.50 m in height was reconstructed in 1959. Today it can be admired by visitors that walk through the Roda di Vaèl annular excursion." read more