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All Italy Cislano Pyramids of Zone

Pyramids of Zone

A unique form of erosion created an uncanny landscape of boulders perched atop slender columns of clay.

Cislano, Italy

Added By
Max Cortesi
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Rising up out of the foliage   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Rising up out of the foliage   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Some look rather precarious   Svíčková
Pyramids of Zone   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Close-up look at the hard cap stones that protect the columns below from erosion   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Wide shot of the valley containing the Pyramids   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Pyramids with Lake Iseo in the background   Falk Lademann
Easy to see how the term “fairy chimneys” originated   Svíčková
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About

Zone is a quaint Lombard village near Lake Iseo that would be all but forgotten if it weren’t for the Pyramids.  Unlike their better known Egyptian counterparts, the Pyramids of Zone are the product of nature, making them, if not more majestic, at least more intriguing.  

Located in a clay reservoir, the Pyramids are hoodoos (also known as tent rocks, earth or erosion pyramids, or fairy chimneys), which result from prolonged erosion.  Layers of clay are washed away all around boulders, with the latter protecting the clay deposit directly underneath them. 

Year after year of such erosion has left a surreal landscape marked by boulders perched on top of spindly towers of clay, some reaching as high as 30 meters (98 feet).

The scenery can be taken in from the road, but it is worthwhile venturing down the steep trail that snakes through the Pyramids.  Although part of the trail can be challenging, it is relatively short, and it could be completed in 30 minutes.  However, allow at least one hour for appreciating the spectacle from down below.  Bear in mind that the site is in continuous change due to erosion, and caution must be taken when walking under the Pyramids.

Related Tags

Geology Geological Oddities Rock Formations Rocks

Know Before You Go

Public transport reaches Zone but it is best accessed using own vehicle.

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Community Contributors

Added By

Max Cortesi

Edited By

RHyzer, CarolaOnWheels

  • RHyzer
  • CarolaOnWheels

Published

July 13, 2016

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Sources
  • http://www.iseolake.info/en/experience-the-lake/sport-and-nature/trekking-and-walking/643-the-pyramids-of-erosion-of-zone
  • http://www.italylakes.net/2009/03/01/lake-iseo-the-pyramids-of-zone/
  • http://www.invallecamonica.it/aree/risorsenaturali/areeinteresseamb/scheda.aspx?IdRisorsa=499&Lingua=ENG
  • http://www.lakeiseoitaly.com/the-pyramids
  • https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riserva_naturale_Piramidi_di_Zone
Pyramids of Zone
1 Via Piramidi
Cislano, 25050
Italy
45.751109, 10.108876
Get Directions

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