About the Dolomites :
this is what most people who have been in the presence of these gigantic rock formations say. Compared to other mountains: brighter, more colorful, more monumental, and seeming to be architecturally inspired. Formed 200 millions years ago out of the primeval ocean, today they reach 3.000 metres into the sky. Déodat de Dolomieu (1750-1801) discovered and defined the unique composition of the stone, giving the mountains their name. Now they are among the UNESCO nominees for consideration as natural heritage sites.
more about Dolomites : < http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/welcome.html
and : < http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1237/
Cathedrals of stone ~