Near San Pietro in Tuba, in Valmorel, there stood a majestic century-old linden tree aged 250–300 years. Visible from the old road of Valpiana and listed among the monumental trees of the province of Belluno, the specimen of Tilia cordata Miller has long been a beloved symbol of the local community and of Dino Buzzati.
It is said that under this linden tree the writer would pause to meditate and devote himself to his projects. The place represented for him a space of peace and serenity, a testament to his deep connection with the Belluno nature. Tradition has it that here Buzzati found inspiration for writing The Miracles of Val Morel.
The ancient tree had a troubled destiny: in 2015, struck by lightning and then by violent summer gusts, it was toppled. Today its remains lie on the ground and appear like a natural sculpture, resembling an octopus with long tentacles, evoking the fantastic imagery of Buzzati. Next to the remains of the old linden, a young linden continues its story.
