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Pietra Parcellara and Perduca: ophiolites in the Piacenza Apennines
Guiddy Difficulty Levels
Easy Plus
Description
Two fragments of ocean floor among the hills
The most classic route in the Piacenza Apennines: an easy walk, both in height gain and distance, exploring the two ophiolite massifs that stand out from the gentle hill landscape of Val Trebbia.
Pietra Parcellara and Pietra Perduca are no ordinary rocks: they are slabs of Earth's mantle caught in the sea floor present in this area millions of years ago, then lifted up here by the movement of the plates. Walking around them means touching a piece of ocean stranded in the hills.
On Pietra Perduca stand the Oratory of Sant'Anna and two ancient basins carved into the rock, home to all three newt species found in northern Italy: crested, smooth and alpine, delicate protected amphibians. It is 8 kilometres and 300 metres of ascent, as a loop.
Why come
- two ophiolite massifs: Earth's mantle surfacing among the hills
- the Pietra Perduca basins with northern Italy's three newt species
- the Oratory of Sant'Anna on the rock
- an easy loop with a guide who explains the geology
Who it suits
This is an easy hike: 8 kilometres and 300 metres of ascent, suitable for everyone, children included. More a geology lesson on foot than a climb. Bring walking shoes, water and a packed lunch, which we eat at Pietra Perduca.
Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk between the two Pietre.
Booking info
Free cancellation
To receive a refund, you have time to cancel up to 1 days in advance.
Insurance included
Injury and luggage insurance coverage with Unipol Sai.
Group chat
After booking, a few days before the event, you'll be added to the group chat for info about the trek, meeting time, and to coordinate carpooling.
Carpooling
We always organize carpooling, so even if you don’t have a car, don’t worry: we’ll find a way to get you there!
Guide
Francesca
A geologist by training, I am an AIGAE-certified Environmental Hiking Guide, and for more than ten years I have also worked in environmental education for adults and children in schools, parks, and museums. My job is to help people see that a rock is a true open book of natural history, and that even the droppings of a wild animal can be BEAUTIFUL. When I’m not sharing science with others or leading hikes, I’m probably trying to work out whether a spider could become my new best friend (by talking to it, of course). My life is a mix of salami sandwiches eaten in the middle of the woods and “wow, look at this beetle, it’s amazing!” — because honestly, what could be better?
See his other routes
€25.00
Free cancellation
Injury and luggage insurance included
Registration closing Friday September 11
Leaving the Province: Lodi
Leaving the Province: Lodi