At the basalt waterfalls of Mortic

<p>At the foot of the Sella Group, it is the sound of water that accompanies your hike along the Mortic path, in search of one of the most suggestive waterfalls of the Ladin Dolomites.</p>

<p>A path in the Val de Mortic, between Piz Ciavazes, Sass Pordoi and the Antersas of the majestic Sella, surrounded by the 4 Dolomite passes, is worth the hike by itself. Even on the hottest days, there is the forest and the continuous flow of water that reassures, relaxes, accompanies the step and refreshes thoughts and words. But the surprise is when you arrive at the waterfall. The water coming from the ruf de Antermont is alpine water, very fresh and clear, but here it does not flow over dolomite rock, which is a white carbonate, crystalline rock. The water plays on dark, almost black, shiny basalt columns. Basalt is an effusive rock not at all rare in the valley. What astonishes here is its shape. Vertical and horizontal stone columns that formed 250 million years ago by rapid cooling from the outside towards the inside of the surface. The very short solidification times contracted the material and created fissures so perfect that they continue to give an intense experience of nature.</p>