Unlike the walls of the numerous quarries, formed by human action, Rocca Pendice is a natural wall, geologically a vein of volcanic rock (trachyte) outcropping above the softer and eroded sedimentary rocks below. Recently acquired by the Euganean Hills Park Authority for most of its extent, this site has traditionally hosted sport climbing activities and is very popular among enthusiasts of this discipline.
However, Rocca Pendice is a place where history and nature intertwine in a fascinating and unique way for the Euganean Hills territory: at the summit lies the ruins of the Speronella castle, while in the surroundings, the characteristic "carts," symbols of the Carrara family, were found carved into the rock; the presence of the Peregrine Falcon, which returns here every year to nest, is the most significant natural aspect, which has played a decisive role in the designation of the Park as a Special Protection Area (SPA) of the Natura 2000 network. Therefore, during the nesting period, sport climbing is prohibited. The climbing ban in the rock gym extends from March to June to avoid disturbing the nesting and hatching of chicks.
The walls of Rocca Pendice began to attract the interest of climbers starting in the late 1800s. The rock gym covers three areas of Mount Pendice: the complex of Punta Nord, Punta della Croce, and Sasso delle Grotte; the latter represents a small formation, used primarily for bouldering.
