Earth pyramids of Platten, Natural hoodoo formations in Percha, Italy.
The Earth Pyramids of Platten are tall clay columns rising from a hillside near Percha in South Tyrol, each topped by a large stone that protects the softer material below from rain. A marked trail winds through the formations, passing close to the columns and offering views of the slope from several angles.
Heavy rainfall in the 19th century triggered landslides that exposed the clay hillside and set off the erosion process that shaped these columns. The same events disrupted an old mountain path that once linked the surrounding valleys.
Wooden sculptures by local artists are placed along the path, responding to the shapes and textures of the formations around them. They give the walk a particular rhythm, as visitors move between natural columns and handmade works.
The trail is clearly marked and can be walked at an easy pace, though some sections are steeper and require more attention underfoot. After rain, the clay surface becomes slippery, so sturdy shoes are a good idea regardless of the season.
Each column survives only as long as the rock balanced on top of it stays in place. Once that stone falls, the clay beneath erodes rapidly and the column can disappear within a few years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
