18. From the Marmitte to Perlone between nature and geology

A trail which connects the Marmitte dei Giganti, spectacular geological pothole formations, with the Castagneto di Nago chestnut woods and the trenches of Busa dei Capitani. 

<p>This trail focuses on some of the typical features of the Garda area, and all with a view of the lake. </p> <p>The <strong>Marmitte dei Giganti</strong> are glacial potholes (known as the Giants' Potholes) formed millions of years ago by the erosion of the rock. These great cavities have a diameter of 4 or 5 metres and are as deep as 12 metres. The potholes were formed by the melting of the glaciers which modelled the rock and polished its surface. The potholes often occur together with other natural karst phenomena such as striated rock, sheepbacks and glacial shift.</p> <p>The sweet <strong>chestnut tree</strong> was widely grown in Trentino as elsewhere because of the major economic importance it had for mountain people who depended on it as a subsistence food. The fruit of this tree is highly nutritious and formed an important part of the local diet. </p> <p> The <strong>Monte Corno</strong> area where the Castagneto chestnut wood is situated was on the Front held by the imperial Austro-Hungarian army during the First World War: there are still stretches of trenches and various buildings restored by local associations.</p>