Thursday, August 17, 2017

Travels in Italy--Earth Pyramids


One sight worth visiting near the Dolomites in northeastern Italy are the Earth Pyramids.   They are located near Renon on a high plateau overlooking Bolazano.  


Getting there is not easy.  You can drive to the top of the Renon mountain plateau, where the Earth Pyramids are located.   We chose a different method to get there.

Getting There:  First, we took a cable car from Bolzano in the valley to the mountain town of Soprabolzano ("over Bolzano").  The Renon cable car is about 2.8 miles long and rises over 3,000 feet. 


Next, we took a narrow guard railway across the plateau.

An antique railcar on display.  NOT our railcar. 

Our very modern railcar.

Finally, we walked the rest of the way to the Earth Pyramids.


During our walk, we took in the sights.

All the buildings on the plateau are Alpine-style architecture.  "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Italy anymore."

One of many religious shrines by the roadside

A nice pond with lily pads and frogs

Blooming lilies

A couple of frogs waiting for lunch to fly by

Baaaaaaaa!
Earth Pyramids:  We finally arrived at the Earth Pyramids. 

So, what are Earth Pyramids?  If you have ever visited Bryce Canyon n Utah and seen the Hudu's there, then you have a good idea.  If not, then think of a church spire made of clay topped with a boulder.  Here are some photos.

A future Earth Pyramid?
How are Earth Pyramids made?  Very slowly.  The diagram below illustrates how a pyramid evolves over time.     




Aside from being amazing to look at, the Earth Pyramids are located on a high plateau with amazing views of the nearby Dolomites.  Check it out. 


After seeing the Earth Pyramids, we visited a nearby restaurant for a traditional Tyrolian dinner.  Apparently, looking at Earth Pyramids induces cravings for barley soup and dumplings.  At the restaurant, we spotted some artwork.  


Dinner was very good and we enjoyed wine made by the owner of the restaurant, Herr Spögler

Herr Spögler and some random hottie
Thanks for visiting the Earth Pyramids with us. 

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