Elevation 1,041 m Province Province of Reggio Emilia | First ascent 1922 | |
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Similar Monte Cusna, Alpe di Succiso, Monte Prado, monte Giovo, Corno alle Scale | ||
The Pietra di Bismantova (literally Stone of Bismantova) is a geological formation in the Reggiano Apennines, in the comune of Castelnovo ne' Monti, province of Reggio Emilia, central Italy, c. 45 km from Reggio Emilia. It has the shape of a narrow, quasi-cylindrical plateau (measuring 1 km x 240 m) whose steep walls emerge c. 300 m as an isolated spur from the nearby hills. The top has an elevation of 1,047 m above sea level. It is included in the National Park of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano.
Map of Pietra di Bismantova, 42035 Castelnovo ne' Monti, Province of Reggio Emilia, Italy
The spur is composed of yellowish calcarenite over a marl basement, all formed in the Miocene as a sea bottom. It includes fossils belonging to a tropical environment. It is surrounded by woods, mostly of hazel trees (Corylus avellana).
The Pietra di Bismantova is mentioned by Dante Alighieri in his Divine Comedy (Purgatory, IV, 25-30).