Uriezzo Gorges
Coordinates: 46 ° 15 ′ 14 " N , 8 ° 19 ′ 56" E
The gorges of Uriezzo ( Italian Orridi di Uriezzo ) are a complex of gorges in the Antigorio Valley in the Italian province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO) in the Piedmont region between Baceno , Crodo and Premia near the settlement of Uriezzo Toce Glacier formed after the Ice Age. The gorges are one of the tourist highlights of the region.
Emergence
During the last ice age (the Würm was about 12,000 years ago to the end), the level of Verampio, where the Valle Devero and Valle Antigorio unite, through the extensive glacier of Toce covered. When it melted, countless subglacial streams flowed through the area and eroded the mica gneiss of Baceno down to the underground of Verampio granite gneiss into narrow valleys and meandering gorges. As the glaciers retreated, so did the streams. What remained were the Uriezzo gorges and the giant whirlpool pots ( Marmitte dei giganti in Italian ). Today the gorges are dry and can be easily hiked through.
description
The erosive effect of the former glaciers and mountain streams has left behind grandiose and diverse forms that are rarely found in the Alps. The gorges are formed by a series of large cavities - boilers and mills - which are connected by sometimes narrow and winding passages. The walls show niches and grooves and are evidence of turbulence and violent whirlpools. In some places they come so close to each other that you cannot see the sky from the bottom. The eroding power of water can still be seen today in the neighboring Marmitte dei giganti .
Verampio dome
With the folding and uplift of the Central Alps , some dome-like structures emerged, in which the deepest units of the European plate rose. The Simplon or Toce culmination with the Verampio window therefore corresponds to the basement of Europe. When the glacial streams cut into the lower rock layers, this deeper tectonic unit came to light, which opened a “ tectonic window ”. This rock layer represents a dome shape, so that it is called "the dome of Verampio".
South canyon
The Orrido Sud is called the Tomb of Uriezzo by the locals and is the most impressive of them all, about 200 m long and 20 to 30 m deep. It consists of a winding and bizarre series of drying vessels connected by narrow passages.
Northeast Gorge
The green Orrido Nord-Est has a length of about 100 m and is up to 10 m deep, in some places very narrow.
West Canyon
The Orrido Ovest with large bowls and meanders consists of two separate parts. A fourth canyon, called Vallaccia , is just below the monumental church of Baceno. It is difficult to access and ends with a sudden fall over the Devero stream.
Marmitte dei giganti
Within a length of 3 km, the Toce drops 160 m between Premia and Verampio, digging into an enormous glacier step. At Maiesso on the Toce River, characteristic forms of erosion can be observed in the rock, known as the "cauldron of the giants": impressive, hemispherical or cylindrical cavities carved into the rock by the force of the meltwater from the glacier. The debris carried along plays an important role, causing severe abrasion by the swirling water at the bottom of the cavities.
Ecosystem
The gorges are a complex ecosystem, characterized by high humidity, little light, smooth and polished walls. There are many types of plants here that are rarely found elsewhere, especially mosses and ferns, which are best adapted to these difficult conditions.
Development
The north gorge, south gorge and west gorge are very accessible. In the southern gorge there is a safe iron staircase between the upper and lower section (about 9 m height difference). The paths are well signposted and provided with information boards.
Access from Premia: past the Balmafredda rock gate, which is used as a sport climbing wall. At the bridge over the Toce River, the imposing Orrido of Arvera can be admired. Parking at the little church of Santa Lucia.
Access from Verampio (Crodo): from the "Campagna" restaurant, follow the gas pipeline, cross the Devero stream, continue parallel to the Toce river to the viewing bridge over the Giants' Boilers. The entrance to the south gorge can be reached north after a slight incline.
Access from Baceno: from the parking lot at the monumental church of San Gaudenzio, follow the hiking trail to the southeast.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Information map on the Glacier Park of the Comunità Montana Valli dell'Ossola
- ↑ Tourism Info Premia , accessed on January 15, 2018
- ↑ Description , accessed on January 15, 2018
- ^ Geology , accessed January 15, 2018
- ↑ Lake Maggiore Tourist Information Center , accessed on January 15, 2018