Top 20 Natural Monuments around Selva Di Progno
Best natural monuments around Selva Di Progno are found within the Lessinia Regional Natural Park, in the Province of Verona, Italy. This area is characterized by its rich biodiversity, expansive forests, and distinctive geological formations. The park itself is a Special Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation, highlighting its ecological importance. Visitors can explore numerous excursions and trails amidst its landscapes.
Best natural monuments around Selva Di Progno
- The most popular natural monuments is Lessinia Plateau, a plateau that offers wonderful views and is located mainly in the province of Verona. It is part of the Lessinia Regional Natural Park and features peaks between 1500 and 1800 m above sea level.
- Another must-see spot is Papalini Waterfall, a waterfall located in the woods. Visitors can walk behind the veil of water, offering a unique perspective.
- Visitors also love Valley of the Sphinxes, a valley known for its large, regularly spaced monoliths. These rock formations are the result of karst erosion, creating a distinctive landscape.
- Selva Di Progno is known for its valleys, plateaus, and forests. These natural features offer diverse opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.
- The natural monuments around Selva Di Progno are appreciated by the komoot community, with 71 photos and 151 upvotes.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
Valley of the Sphinxes
Highlight • Natural Monument
The Valley of the Sphinxes is a magical place, rich in stories and legends, such as the one linked to the particular mushroom-shaped rock, also known as "el sengio de l'orco". According to tradition, in fact, this mushroom was brought here by an ogre to allow the fade (magical creatures) to tie an end of rope to it to hang out the laundry. Or like the "Fò della Pace", a large tree isolated from the others and so called because under its shade disputes were resolved and contracts were stipulated.
Source visitlessinia.eu/it/valle-delle-sfingi-10
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Papalini Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Trail of the Great Trees
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The complete and official trail, which passes all the numbered panels, begins at the disused Chalet di Recoaro Mille and ends at the Rifugio Battisti. The first section, however, offers little, is expendable and forgotten. It can be significantly shortened, both in length and elevation gain, by choosing various starting points (the figures are approximate and refer to the total round trip): • from Recoaro Mille (full route), 22km 710m elevation gain; • from Pizzegora (large parking lot), 17km 580m elevation gain; • from the Malga Sebe curve (small parking lot), 14km 510m elevation gain; • from Trattoria La Gabiola or Casare Asnicar 12km 440m elevation gain. The latter is the shortest and most popular option, ideal for families: it's the segment indicated in the highlight.
The route is not very well indicated: the map on the panel is very stylized, and a couple of forks in the road can confuse hikers. In particular, at Malga Morando, you can choose whether to continue on the forest road to the right or to ascend the path on the left that passes near the 'giàsara'. Further on, at Malga Rove Alta, you can choose the lower route to the right, easier and suitable for mountain bikes, which follows a wide dirt forest road with ups and downs and finally climbs onto a paved road. Alternatively, you can choose the higher route to the left, which immediately climbs to altitude and then continues flat at the foot of Mount Zevola, crossing a couple of gravel ruts caused by landslides. Ultimately, all roads lead to the Battisti Refuge: we recommend diversifying your outward and return routes to explore all the alternatives.
This is a popular weekend hike throughout the year due to its easy accessibility, from spring blossoms to winter snowshoe hikes. It's especially a must for autumn foliage lovers, due to the variety and spectacular nature of the trees.
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Mount Gramolon
Highlight • Summit
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Sisilla Crag
Highlight • Climb
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.
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Tips from the Community
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!
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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.
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The "Vajo del Bruto" or Valle delle Buse di Sopra, more simply known as the Valle delle Sfingi, is located in the contrada del Brutto or malga Buse di Sotto in Camposilvano. It is a particular valley, about 800 meters long, which has large monoliths regularly spaced from each other and which recall the Egyptian sphinxes, from which it takes its name. These particular rocks are the result of the karst erosion of two different rock formations, the Rosso Ammonitico and the Oolite di San Vigilio. The Valle delle Sfingi is a magical place, full of stories and legends, such as the one linked to the particular mushroom-shaped rock, also known as "el sengio de l'orco". According to tradition, in fact, this mushroom was brought here by an ogre to allow the fade (magical creatures) to tie a rope end to it to hang out the laundry. Or like the "Fò della Pace", a large tree isolated from the others and so called because under its shade disputes were resolved and contracts were drawn up.
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Beautiful waterfall, it looks like a face with one eye, a big nose and teeth😊
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Gramolon can be reached not only by paths but also by the short but intense Ferrari via ferrata.
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Very suggestive place due to the presence of these rock formations, typical of Lessinia (they are also seen in other parts but here they are concentrated in a particular way, with the formations that stand out from the ground giving the idea of the Sphinxes)
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Mount Gramolon can be reached by various itineraries, the most convenient from the Bertagnoli refuge.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural monuments to explore around Selva di Progno?
Beyond the well-known spots, you can discover the Papalini Waterfall, where you can walk behind the veil of water for a unique perspective. Another fascinating site is the Valley of the Sphinxes, known for its large, regularly spaced monoliths formed by karst erosion, creating a distinctive and almost magical landscape.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see in Selva di Progno?
Selva di Progno is characterized by diverse natural features, including expansive forests, valleys, and plateaus. The region is part of the Lessinia Regional Natural Park, offering a rich tapestry of biodiversity with large beech, silver fir, and hop-hornbeam trees, as well as unique geological formations like those found in the Valley of the Sphinxes.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Selva di Progno?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Valley of the Sphinxes is easily accessible and walkable for all ages. The Lessinia Plateau also offers wonderful views and trails that can be enjoyed by families. Additionally, the Trail of the Great Trees is a popular and shorter option, ideal for families, winding through ancient trees and offering insights into mountain life.
Are there any interesting geological formations to see?
Absolutely. The Valley of the Sphinxes is a prime example, featuring large, regularly spaced monoliths that are the result of karst erosion of two different rock formations. The region also includes formations like Montagna Spaccata, which typically refers to impressive rock cleavages or gorges, offering visually striking geological interest.
What hiking opportunities are available near these natural monuments?
The Lessinia Regional Natural Park, where many of these monuments are located, is crisscrossed by numerous trails. You can find a variety of hiking experiences, from easy walks to more challenging routes. For specific mountain hikes, you can explore options like the Carega Peak or Monte Zevola loops. Find more details on routes in the Mountain Hikes around Selva Di Progno guide.
Can I go mountain biking near the natural monuments?
Yes, the area around Selva di Progno offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. You can find challenging routes such as the Giazza – Passo Pertica Hut loop or the Malga Morando – Scenic Trail loop. For detailed trails and routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Selva Di Progno guide.
What about gravel biking options in the area?
Gravel biking is also a popular activity here. Routes like the Velo Veronese – Malga Lessinia loop or the Descent Towards San Giorgio – Malga Lessinia loop offer extensive gravel paths through scenic landscapes. More information on these routes can be found in the Gravel biking around Selva Di Progno guide.
When is the best time to visit the natural monuments in Selva di Progno?
The natural monuments in Selva di Progno can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring offers blossoming landscapes, while autumn is particularly spectacular for foliage lovers due to the variety of trees. Summer is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Even winter offers opportunities for snowshoe hikes, especially on trails like the Trail of the Great Trees.
Are there significant forests to explore in the area?
Yes, the region is home to extensive and ecologically important forests. The Lessinia Regional Natural Park itself boasts large beech, silver fir, and hop-hornbeam trees. The Folignani Forest is a dense forest mainly of fir trees, declared a Site of Community Interest and a Special Protection Area for its rich biodiversity. The Forest of Giazza is also a major natural monument, covering approximately 4,705 acres with scenic paths.
What do visitors particularly appreciate about the natural monuments here?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, the tranquility, and the unique natural formations. The Valley of the Sphinxes is often described as a 'magical place' rich in stories. The opportunity to walk behind the water veil at Papalini Waterfall is also a highlight. The overall natural beauty and diverse opportunities for exploration are highly valued by the komoot community, as evidenced by numerous photos and upvotes.
Where can I find parking when visiting these sites?
While specific parking details vary by monument, many popular trailheads and natural monument access points, especially within the Lessinia Regional Natural Park, offer designated parking areas. For instance, the Trail of the Great Trees has various starting points with parking options, including a large parking lot at Pizzegora.
Are the natural monuments around Selva di Progno dog-friendly?
Many natural areas and trails within the Lessinia Regional Natural Park are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your canine companion. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected areas or where wildlife is present, and to check specific regulations for each site you plan to visit.
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