Col Quaterna’
The Geographical Features
.the Peaks The Col Quaterna’ has a characteristic pyramidal shape, is located in the North-West corner of the Comelian territory and reaches a height of 2503 m a.s.l. It has a dark color given by the volcanic rock of which it is completely composed. It rises as the highest peak of the Monte Spina block which makes up together with the Col de la Crodata and the Col Rosson. The East side ends at the Passo Silvella, bordering the Frugnoni while towards the West it thins out up to the Passo Montecroce Comelico.
The peak can be reached in a short time via a steep rocky path from Sella del Quaterna’. Thanks to its solitary and strategic position, during the First World War it was used as a lookout outpost and emplacement for snipers guarding the passes that surround it.
.the Valleys The East side of Col Quaterna’ dominates the pastures of the Silvella and relative Malga, on the West side it overlooks the woods of the Val di S.Valentino. The North side instead thins out on the Val Lorera and the state border.
.the Rivers The Digon Torrent originates at the foot of Col Quaterna’ along its east side, descending first towards the Silvella and then the related Val Digon. The Padola Torrent also originates on its northern slopes and then deviates towards the South. The two streams flow on opposite sides of the block until they meet in the locality of Gera and descend together towards the Piave River in Santo Stefano, drawing the characteristic shape of the block of Mount Spina, wedged between the state border and the Central Group.
Political Borders
Col Quaterna’ rises in the municipality of Comelico Superiore. The North side overlooks the Austrian municipality of Obertilliach and the South side overlooks Italy. In times of war, Passo Montecroce Comelico was defended on one side by Col Quaterna’ and on the other by the military works of Croda Sora i Colesei / Forcella Popera.
The Approach
.from Val Digon We can approach the Hill by going up to the top of Val Digon and arriving by car at Malga Silvella, from here we go along the Silvella valley up to the Pass of the same name on a slightly sloping mule track.
.from Passo Montecroce Surely the shortest route starts from Passo Montecroce Comelico, we advance on the forest road that winds through the coniferous woods in an easterly direction, we pass the Malga Coltrondo and the Rinfreddo Refuge to then begin the ascent of the Hill.
.from Casamazzagno Starting from Casamazzagno, at the church of S. Leonardo is not really for everyone, a long way that runs through the entire block on forest roads going up towards the north. It is possible to reach the Sella del Quaterna’ passing through many roads that surround the Block of Spina, from those that go back to its slopes on both sides, or, to cross it along its crest for a 360° panorama of the Comelico Superiore. Massive presence of military trenches and remains of buildings relating to the period of the First World War. This itinerary is preferable to be tackled by bicycle.
The Climb
Arrived at the wide Quaterna’ Saddle, we leave the mule tracks that have accompanied us up to this point, to take a steep path which, in twenty minutes, takes us to the sharp peak of this mini volcano. Breathtaking views in all directions thanks to the large spaces that surround it. Along the climb you can visit the remains of military posts which are now in a poor state of conservation, but which remain as evidence of a massive fortification all around the hill.
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