Monte Cairo

Monte Cairo is situated in Italy's central peninsula which is dominated by active extensional tectonics. The geological structure is of limestone dating from the Cretaceous period and due to its position in the region the formation is known to experience earthquakes and subsidence. The tops of the mountains are barren, in contrast to the partially wooded sides. == Climbing ==

The top of the mountain is a 4-hour hike along a path through beech groves and across a plateau of snow. The vista from the top includes Appennino Marsicano (Monti Marsicani), the Mainarde, the Monti della Meta, the Matese, the sea up to Gaeta, the Pontine Islands, Mount Vesuvius and the Abbey of Montecassino. At an altitude of 1300 m and west of Monte Cairo lies the Monte Pozzacone Refuge, a property owned by the town of Colle San Magno and a suitable base for climbing to the top of Monte Cairo. Other peaks of the group include the Monte Obachelle (1476 metres) where there is a significant Karstic sinkhole, the Pizzo di Prato Caselle (1372 metres), and the Cimmaron Villaneto (1315 m). == References ==