Cavalese is the chief town in the Val di Fiemme, a pretty region of flower-filled aromatic pastures, delighful wooded valleys and Tyrolean architecture.
At the centre of the town stands the Palazzo della Magnifica Comunita'.
Originally built in the 13th century, this was the seat of the medieval governing council which ruled the area as a semi-autonomous region.
Today the panelled interiors contain medieval paintings by local artists, and an archaeology collection.
Most visitors come for the excellent summer and winter resort facilities, and to climb, by cable car, to the 2229m. /7311ft.) top of Alpe Cermis, the mountain that rises to the south of the town.