Cortina sulla strada del vino (Cortina on the Wine Route in English, Kurtinig an der Weinstraße in German) is a picturesque town in the province of Bolzano, the smallest village in South Tyrol with its almost 2kmq. It is called "little Venice" because, before the works of embankment of the Adige river, the historical centre was frequently flooded.
The discovery of both Prehistoric and Roman findings testify that the area was inhabited since the ancient times. The place name derives from the Latin word "curtis" and is documented for the first time in 1276.
The main cobblestone square with its draw-well is really wonderful.
It is also called "the village of house grapes" for the curious custom of its inhabitants to plant a climbing vine beside the wall of their house particularly when the first child is born, when the farmhouse is transferred to a son or when the farmhouse is newly built or reconstructed.
The parish Church of San Martino, overlooking the main square, with a beautiful rose windows, three peaks and a square bell-tower, worth a visit.