[3] The Cansiglio plateau is an agricultural high plain, where buildings were mostly made of poor materials using traditional construction techniques.

Severe damage was sustained by many public buildings, including the Cathedral, the Carabinieri headquarter, the Tax Office and the town hall.

Due to the high damage sustained, Vittorio Veneto was later added, along with some nearby comuni to the list of town subject to seismic risk.

On 29 June 1873 an earthquake struck the area, its epicenter on the Alpago basin, damaging many towns and cities including Belluno and its province, where 40 people died.

54 other casualties were reported, including 38 people killed by the collapse of a church in San Pietro di Feletto during the morning mass.