Although, due to their great resemblance, we may believe that we are in the heart of Turkish Cappadocia, the wonderful phenomenon of the earthen pillars is also present in Catalonia. More specifically, in the Riera de Gaià, in the Vallès Occidental.
The present photographic report by Narcís Serrat, shared in Las Fotos de los Lectores de La Vanguardia, illustrates this unique natural creation, located in the town of Viladecavalls.
Earth pillars are geomorphic phenomena that result from wind erosion on poorly consolidated sediments. They consist of vertical tower-shaped structures, more or less chronic, and are usually crowned with a resistant stone block that has the purpose of stabilizing the whole complex.
There are many countries where you can find formations of this style. Among them, Italy, in the Arige valley, in Turkish Cappadocia, or in the French region of Roussillon. Although also in Riera de Gaià, in Catalonia.
This stream is a tributary of the Llobregat river, which rises in the Obac mountain range, between the Catalan Pre-coastal mountain range and the Vallès depression. And these earthen pillars are formed on materials that date back to the prehistoric Miocene epoch.
Although it is an authentic natural jewel of great scientific and aesthetic value in the Catalan sphere, it has not yet been recognized or protected as cultural heritage. Which, without a doubt, would contribute to a greater appreciation of its value, both touristic and educational.
