Top 20 Natural Monuments around Altissimo

The Buso della Rana is the largest cave in the Veneto region and one of the most extensive in Italy, with a network of caves stretching almost 30 km in total (40 km including the Pissatèla complex above, to which it is connected). Located beneath the Faedo-Casaròn Plateau, it is an intricate karst system that collects and channels the plateau's waters into the Rio Rana, which flows at the entrance. It was formed when rainwater seeps into the permeable limestone surface layer and, encountering the underlying impermeable basalt (volcanic rock), flows laterally, eroding the rock. Over millions of years, this has created a complex labyrinth of horizontal tunnels, chambers, chimneys, siphons, and small lakes traversed by underground streams. Because it drains the plateau's waters, the cave is subject to flash floods, making exploration treacherous. Inside, the temperature remains constant between 10 and 12°C year-round. It is freely accessible through the monumental entrance and by proceeding along the Main Branch for about fifty meters, until reaching the first flooded corridor or Siphon, a horizontal constriction that requires crawling. From there, it is the preserve of speleologists or exciting and adventurous guided tours organized by associations like Biosphera (see link). The internal branches are not marked, and one must know the way. The name of the cave has nothing to do with the amphibian, but is an Italianized term from the Cimbrian word "roan," meaning "rocky wall," referring to the cliff at the entrance. https://www.busodellarana.it https://esplora.biosphaera.it/luoghi/buso-della-rana/

From Monte Gramolòn (1,814 m), you have a breathtaking 360° view of the Piccole Dolomiti, the Sentiero dei Grandi Alberi trail below, and, on the opposite side, the Lessinia mountains! The climb from Passo Ristele (to the north) is short but steep, and breathtaking! From Passo della Scagina (to the south), it's even steeper and more technical, EE, with frequent switchbacks that ascend a deep gully: very evocative. On this side, there are also the Angelo Viali and Ferrari via ferratas. The summit, with its cross, touches a spectacular but exposed ridgeline over the precipice, so be careful and avoid leaning out. The toponym derives from the dialect verb 'sgramolare', meaning to break into lumps: therefore, 'Gramolon' means the mountain that crumbles, due to subsidence and scree!

The Cascata dei Papalini suddenly appears in a small clearing in the heart of the forest, along the path: over time the falling water has formed a columnar deposit of gray limestone that descends like a drape and that partly acts as a springboard for the jet. But the peculiarity and spectacular nature of this waterfall is the possibility of seeing it even from behind the scenes: in fact, by climbing to the left on a short but steep path, you reach a natural roof of the rock from which you can observe the forest below through the curtain of water, without getting wet! The passage is not protected and is wet, so you need to pay particular attention. Like all torrential waterfalls, it is not always full and active: you need to look for the right period, perhaps after heavy rains, to visit it in all its thunderous splendor.

Beautiful waterfall, it looks like a face with one eye, a big nose and teeth😊

Gramolon can be reached not only by paths but also by the short but intense Ferrari via ferrata.

Mount Gramolon can be reached by various itineraries, the most convenient from the Bertagnoli refuge.

In this secluded clearing, just above the Campogrosso refuge, you find yourself at the foot of the imposing southern face of the Sisilla, about a hundred metres: a historic climbing gym, still much loved and popular, with around thirty routes all vertical or slightly overhanging. During the First World War, the Sisilla was transformed into a fortified Italian stronghold to defend the Campogrosso Pass: while on its top there was an observatory equipped with reflectors, at the base, in a position sheltered from sight and enemy fire, they were created in cavern shelters for command, storage and reserve troops, as well as machine gun positions to control the pass.

Mount Sisilla (1621 m) is an imposing rock pillar overlooking Campogrosso, marking the southern end of the Sengio Alto mountain range. The summit is reached via a challenging trail, with a final via ferrata. The short but exposed equipped section is officially unusable (as stated on the municipal sign), but you can make do by holding onto the rocks. However, it is reserved only for experienced hikers who are up to it, always exercising utmost caution! From the overhanging summit, the view is breathtaking, with the refuge and the Campogrosso pastures a hundred meters below your feet! The white statue of the Madonna was installed in 1962, transported by military helicopter. During World War I, Mount Sisilla was transformed into a fortified Italian stronghold to defend the Campogrosso Pass. An observatory equipped with searchlights stood on its summit; Below, a covered trench (now rebuilt) with a depot and barracks for the garrison; along the climb, you'll come across machine gun emplacements in caves; at its foot, trenches, emplacements, and cave shelters are still visible. The south face, just above the refuge, at 120 meters high, is a historic and still very popular climbing gym, with about thirty routes, all vertical or slightly overhanging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRoEa_jqliA