Pizzo Arera, Mountain peak in Bergamasque Prealps, Italy

Pizzo Arera is a 2,512-meter peak in the Bergamasque Prealps known for its sharp limestone cliffs and steep rocky slopes. The mountain's ridges and passages create a complex landscape that rises dramatically above the surrounding valleys.

The first recorded ascent was a tourist climb by Antonio Baroni and Emilio Torri on 1 June 1875. The first winter ascent followed on 8 March 1879, by Luigi Albani, Giuseppe Nievo and Antonio Baroni. The mountain's abandoned mines and deep caves, including the 635-metre Abisso dei due Increduli, have been explored for years.

The residents around Pizzo Arera are often bilingual, speaking Italian and Bergamasque, the local dialect. The mountain's name appears in the scientific name of a plant first described there, Galium montis-arerae, linking the peak to botanical history.

Marked hiking trails from Zambla Alta lead to the summit, with the Rifugio Capanna 2000 providing meals and shelter along the route. Visitors should wear sturdy boots and bring layers since mountain weather can change rapidly at this elevation.

Galium montis-arerae, the Pizzo Arera bedstraw, is named after the mountain, which is its locus classicus, the place where the species was first described. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is rare.