Bolca
Bolca: history, geography, and paleontology
Welcome to Bolca, a locality in the Lessini Mountains in the province of Verona, known for its incredible collection of fish and plant fossils from Pesciara and Monte Postale. In this summary, we will discuss the history, physical geography, and paleontological importance of this area.
History
Bolca has ancient origins, and it is believed that by 1000 BCE it was the site of a "castelliere" (fortified village) on Monte Purga. During the Roman era, Bolca became an important settlement, from which its name "Bubulca" is derived. In 1410 the Republic of Venice occupied the territory, and in the 1500s and 1600s, the plague decimated the population. In 1785, the municipality became an autonomous Vicariate and later came under Austrian rule, being visited by Emperor Francis I of Austria in 1818.
Physical Geography
Territory
The Bolca hamlet is located in a very hilly territory, typical of the Venetian pre-Alps. The highest point is Monte Pergo, which stands at 945 meters above sea level, while the Sanzini district is the lowest at 353 meters above sea level. The Val d'Alpone runs through the southern sector, while the Val del Chiampo is found in the eastern area. In the northern sector are the Veronese pre-Alps, and to the west is the Val d'Illasi. The Monte Vegroni and Monte Purga are among the most important paleontological reliefs.
Hydrography
The Bolca area is rich in water and springs. The Alpone stream, which runs through the valley of the same name for about 25 kilometers to San Bonifacio (32 kilometers to the Adige River), originates here. The river mainly flows through volcanic rocks, passing through deep gorges with waterfalls between Vestenanova and Vestenavecchia and receiving the Valle Vicentina to the left. Just below, the Val dei Molini joins from the right, which, first narrow, originates on the slopes of Monte Pergo and Monte Cason and then widens on the basalts of the valley floor. The Val dei Molini receives the Valle Scura and the Valle Spazzacamini between Castelvero and Rancani to the right, while to the right of the Val d'Alpone is the Valle Birone and the Valle del Parolo.
Paleontology
Bolca is renowned for its incredible collection of fish and plant fossils from Pesciara and Monte Postale, dating back to various periods of the Eocene. Among the most famous fossils is the ''Mene rhombea,'' a fish attributed to the Ypresian (lower Eocene), but fossils from Spilecco and Purga di Bolca are equally important. These fossils were first studied in the mid-16th century and have since attracted the attention of geologists, paleontologists, and enthusiasts from all over the world.
In conclusion, Bolca is a fascinating locality that combines history, geography, and paleontology. If you are lucky enough to visit it, do not miss the opportunity to discover the secrets that this ancient and mysterious land holds.
