The Giara di Gesturi is a high basalt plateau rising like a natural stone fortress above the plains of Marmilla. Formed millions of years ago by cooling volcanic lava flows, the Giara features a flat top elevated above the surrounding countryside. The plateau harbors a pristine micro-ecosystem: during rainy seasons, it fills with temporary freshwater ponds called paulis, covered in blooming water buttercups. This protected habitat is world-famous as the last refuge of the Giara wild horses, a unique population of small native horses that roam freely through cork oak forests.