Campanile di Val Montanaia, Rock needle summit in Province of Pordenone, Italy
The Campanile di Val Montanaia is a sharp rock needle in the Province of Pordenone that rises steeply from the valley floor. The formation measures roughly 50 to 60 meters wide at its base and extends about 300 meters upward.
Austrian mountaineers von Saar and von Glanvell reached the summit for the first time in 1902 and discovered a route to the western side. This early ascent opened the formation to climbers and established its importance as a regional climbing destination.
The needle gets its name from its resemblance to a church bell tower rising sharply from the ground. This distinctive shape gives the location its memorable character and makes it instantly recognizable across the valley.
Access starts from Rifugio Pordenone, from where a two to three hour hike covers about 800 meters of elevation gain to reach the base. Basic climbing skills and proper gear are necessary to navigate the technical sections safely.
The summit originally held a bell inscribed in Latin to honor climbing achievements, which was damaged by lightning in 2019. A replacement was installed through community fundraising, making it a symbol of local connection to the mountain.
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