In prehistoric times, this area was completely covered by a thick wood, that grew up to an altitude which was much higher than at present. There were no open spaces where now villages have sprung up, surrounded by meadows and cultivated fields. These immense forests drained by numerous streams (such as Fiorentina, Codalonga, Cordon and Loschiesuoi) filled with water from the nearby glaciers, supplied game to adventurous hunters, often transitory.
As the Neolithic/Aeneolithic Mandriz site proved, sheep rearing already existed before the end of the first millennium before Christ, but it was starting from this period that the valley started to become progressively populated. Hunters and shepherds with their flocks started to use the pastures in the area of Passo Giau, at Possedera and Fertazza, at Staulanza, Forada and Forcella Roan. This situation underwent a definite change only in the early mediaeval period, when the hunters and shepherds were joined by wood-cutters and mineral collectors (iron and lead were the ones most sought after). These new types of people, coming from the River Boite valley, built numerous settlements, that were initially used only during the seasons, and with time became fixed residences.

The countryside slowly started to change. In the sunnier parts, where there were more springs (Pescul, Toffol and Marin), large parts of the wood were cut down. Stalls and houses were built, which turned into "Villas" with time. All these little collections of houses, small villages, were built so as to be able to house as many people as possible, so as not to take up the precious space used for fields and cultivation in general. In the following centuries, to be able to meet the increased food requirements, terrain was cultivated up to 1600 metres above seal level, while the cutting of meadows moved up to as far as 2000 metres.
Agriculture was, in fact, one of the main sources of income for these places, until only a few decades ago.
Starting from the 18th century, as well as work in the fields, woods and pastures, there were crafts and iron extraction industries. This involved considerable immigration, and the start of new industries such as charcoal or that of blacksmiths, for which a foundry was even operating. As the decades passed, the work linked to the extraction of minerals from the ground increased more and more. The iron deposits were in the area of Colle S. Lucia, to the north-west. A zone in which the Castle of Andraz was built, whose land-owner, the Bishop of Bressanone, was the owner of the mines. Near the castle, there were some furnaces in which the minerals were then worked. Other furnaces existed in the valleys of Agordo and Zoldo. In 1558, Cardinal Madruzo had a new road built to connect the mines to the furnaces in Val Badia through the Valparola Pass. This became the most important trade route between the Tyrol and Venice.
With the winding up of mineral mining about two centuries ago, there was a severe economic decline, which caused considerable emigration. In spite of this, work in the fields, woods and pastures provided the wherewithal necessary for the survival of these villages.
Starting from the 60's, slowly but surely, with the increase in tourist trade tied to skiing and hiking, the valley started to boom again
Today Val Fiorentina, which is open and welcoming to tourists, preserves its rich traditions and its thousand years of culture, which it is proud of.
Selva di Cadore is one of the main tourist resorts in the Val Fiorentina. Even from Selva di Cadore, you can "tackle" the Ski Civetta network, for example with the piste that descends from Cima Fertazza to Pescul, a charming and ancient part of Selva.
From Pescul, then, with the four-seater chair-lift with automatic pick-up, you can get up high in a few minutes. From there, as with other places, you can connect up with the rest of the network. This area, too, has lots to offer the tourist, both in winter and summer. During the winter season, there is a good school, like there is at Alleghe and at Zoldo, with instructors trained in all speciality sports, both for adults and children. The school slopes are also used by parents who want to relax, sure in the knowledge that their children are in good hands. Selva di Cadore as well as downhill skiing, has beautiful circuits for cross-country skiing, on which international competitions are held. The fans can enjoy stupendous runs immersed in a magical landscape.
During the summer, the chair-lift (also at Pescul) allows you to reach the easiest paths for long and breathtaking strolls suitable for everyone. There is no shortage of other sports facilities, tennis, pony trekking, mountain bike riding, etc. So at Selva di Cadore you have plenty of choice too.