Segonzano
Discovering Segonzano: from the Earth Pyramids to the ruins of the castle painted by Dürer
Segonzano is located on the wide Western and North-western slopes of the Dosso di Segonzano e del Ceramont, the wooded mountains separating the Valle di Cembra from the Altopiano di Piné plateau. The municipality features about fifteen villages, set in sometimes very different surroundings, ranging from Quaras at an altitude of 1000 metres down to Pra at 500 metres. To the South is Sevignano; Gresta to the North-east. Gaggio is located in the valley made by the river bearing the same name, while Valcava is in the valley of the river Brusago, whereas Quaras and Gausaldo are in the valley of the River Regnana. All these sites were founded along the historical routes linking Piné and the Valle di Cembra. Vineyards grow on the sunnier slopes lower down, facing the Avisio torrent. Major activities in the area include trade, timber processing, and wood handicraft and carving.
Yet Segonzano is especially famous all for its Earth Pyramids, natural masterpieces up to 20 m tall, that create a peculiarly evocative landscape. The pyramids - or pillars - are topped by boulders and stand out amidst the surrounding vegetation, which also protects them. Segonzano is also home to the ruins of a castle, destroyed by the Napoleonic troops, but whose original appearance can still be seen in a painting by Albrecht Dürer. Another interesting attraction is the so-called Dürer Route, leading to the Pyramids of Segonzano, from Klösterle to San Floriano, travelled by the German painter on his way to Venice. 21st century visitors can experience the exhilarating feelings of travellers of bygone eras.
