Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna
Emilia-Romagna
Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park, established in 1993, covers approximately 368 square kilometers across the Apennine watershed between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. The park features steep ridges and valleys on the Romagna side and gentler slopes in the Casentino area, descending to the Arno valley. It is home to the UNESCO-listed Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve and ancient beech forests, recognized for their primeval ecological value. The park's landscape is rich with diverse woodlands, including hornbeam, turkey oak, sessile oak, and chestnut forests, alongside rare cork oaks. Wildlife includes the Apennines wolf, red deer, roe deer, boar, and various birds of prey. Cultural highlights include the Camaldoli monastery, the Franciscan sites at La Verna, and natural landmarks like the Acquacheta waterfall, famously mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy. Visitors can explore botanical gardens, arboretums, and the Ridracoli lake and dam. The park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical significance, making it a treasured destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit is spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and wildlife is active. Booking guided tours or visiting during organized events can enhance the experience. Entrance to the park and its reserves is generally free, but check the official website for any permits or guided activity fees. Early booking is recommended for popular excursions and accommodations nearby. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and prepare for variable mountain weather conditions.
Interesting facts
- •The Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve, established in 1959, was Italy's first integral nature reserve.
- •The Acquacheta waterfall, with an 80-meter drop, is mentioned in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy (Inferno, Canto XVI).
- •The park includes the source springs of two major rivers: the Arno and the Tiber.
- •The park's beech forests are part of the UNESCO serial site 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe'.
- •The park is home to over 48 tree and shrub species and more than 1000 herbaceous species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
History
The area has ancient roots dating back to Etruscan settlements near the Lake of Idols at Monte Falterona, a significant religious site.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the forests supplied timber for major constructions like Florence's Duomo and naval fleets of Pisa and Livorno.
Monastic communities, notably the Camaldoli hermitage (founded 1012) and La Verna sanctuary (1213), played key roles in preserving the forests.
The 20th century saw reforestation efforts and significant rural depopulation after World War II, leading to the natural regeneration of the landscape.
Since 1993, the area has been protected as a national park, and in 2017 its ancient beech forests and the Sasso Fratino reserve were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, highlighting their ecological and cultural importance.
Place Guide
Acquacheta Waterfall
An 80-meter high waterfall famously referenced by Dante in his Divine Comedy, offering dramatic natural scenery and hiking opportunities.
Camaldoli Monastery1012
A historic monastic complex founded in 1012 by San Romualdo, significant for its religious heritage and role in forest conservation.
Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve1959
Italy's first integral nature reserve, established in 1959, preserving untouched ancient forest ecosystems vital for biodiversity.
Valbonella Botanical Gardens
A botanical garden near Corniolo showcasing the park's diverse plant species, especially from the Mount Falco-Falterona massif.
Ridracoli Lake and Dam
An artificial lake and dam providing water resources and recreational activities within the park's landscape.
Contact
Phone: 0575 50301
