The Montepagliaio gullies are located north-west of Castrocaro Terme at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level. Originating from strong erosion, the gullies are reminiscent of a lunar landscape and, despite their desolate barrenness, they represent an extremely beautiful place of high naturalistic value.
Defining forms of erosion are determined by falling rainwater, creating a particular pattern of soil drainage becoming so ramified that it shapes small basins. This process is particularly pronounced in clayey areas, especially during rainfalls, when the clay softening allows creation of small streams. Once the phenomenon ceases, the clays harden again, giving rise to the typical gully landscape featuring sharp pinnacles divided by deep cracks.
The clays in question contain a significant and well-preserved Pliocene fossil fauna (turitella, cerithium, dentalium and rare conus), providing all enthusiasts a fascinating opportunity to observe the relics from the geological past.
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