Casentino Forests
On the Apennine ridge between Romagna and Tuscany, it extends one of the most important forest heritages in Italy, considered a real paradise for the lovers of mountains and nature: this is the National Park of the Casentino Forests, which offers the opportunity to live a wide range of adventurous and incredible experiences, among centuries-old woods, sanctuaries and waterfalls.
Inside the park there are some of the most beautiful sites of the Apennines: impossible not to mention the Acquacheta Waterfalls, near the village of San Benedetto in Alpe; the forest of Campigna with the majestic Grand Ducal Palace, hunting residence of the Lorena Family; the village of Ridracoli with its artificial dam ; and finally the Integral Reserve of Sasso Fratino, with its centuries-old beech wood, a World Heritage Site.
To all this is added the beauty of the small villages within the park area, such as Bagno di Romagna, Premilcuore, Santa Sofia, Portico di Romagna and San Benedetto in Alpe, treasure chests of historical and cultural traditions that must be known and visited.
Bagno di Romagna
Bagno di Romagna is an ancient village, famous and renowned for its thermal waters since Roman times. The purity of the elements, the natural warmth of the water, the friendliness of a small mountain community and the quality of the services find their maximum expression in spas, ready to cuddle you and cure body and soul. For the little ones and not only, not to be missed is the experience of the Gnomes Path a magical place among gnomes, fairies and animals of the woods where you can discover the beauty of unspoilt nature.
Portico di Romagna
Located in the green landscape of the National Park of the Casentino Forests, the village of Portico di Romagna stands out for its characteristic medieval urban structure on three levels perfectly intact. Of inestimable historical value, the Ponte della Maestà (the Bridge of Majesty), dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a typical arched bridge that crosses the river Tramazzo. It is also called "a schiena d'asino" (donkey back bridge) and probably dated fourteenth century. The bridge is still original and no restoration has been done since it was built, so crossing it means trampling on the original stones.
San Benedetto in Alpe
The village of San Benedetto in Alpe is completely surrounded by the nature of the National Park of the Casentino Forests and was born as a result of the construction of the Monastery dedicated to Saint Benedict, of which remain only the crypt, a defensive tower, an arched portal and part of the outer walls. The charm of these places enchanted Dante Alighieri, who was struck by the legendary Acquacheta Waterfalls and described them in the 16th Canto of the Inferno in the Divine Comedy.
Corniolo
Corniolo is a small village, immersed in the nature of the National Park of the Casentino Forests. In its square there are to two beautiful churches, the Church of Saint Pietro and La Madonnina, which are located opposite to each other. Inside them you can admire artistic wonders such as the glazed terracotta of the workshop of Giovanni Della Robbia and the work of Ponteghini dating back to the sixteenth century. There are countless paths from the village into the Casentino Forests, including the one that leads to the ancient ruins of the Corniolo’s Castle.
Campigna
The village of Campigna is immersed in a forest of secular white pine trees that is part of the National Park of the Casentino Forests and is a perfect setting for hiking itineraries and winter sports. The perfect season to visit these places is definitely winter, when the snow becomes the absolute protagonist and the ski slopes are animated by thousands of fans who go up from both sides, Tuscan and Romagna, to enjoy the wonders of this destination.
Santa Sofia
Nestled in the heart of the National Park of the Casentino Forests, Santa Sofia is a beautiful village characterized by unspoilt nature, good living and contemporary art. In the river park you can admire numerous sculptures by various artists of international importance, as well as the Vero Stoppioni Art Gallery. Santa Sofia is also home to one of the visit centers of the National Park of the Casentino Forests from which depart several suggestivepaths and itineraries for nature lovers.
Premilcuore
Premilcuore is a small medieval village, crossroads of people and cultures that still retains today, in the architecture of its buildings, significant features that date back to Roman times and to the Florentine Renaissance splendor. The charming old town of Premilcuore is the perfect starting point to enter the National Park of the Casentino Forests, here’s one of the visitor centers of the Park, dedicated to the specimens of the Apennine fauna that populate these areas.
Tredozio
Tredozio is considered a meeting point for mountain bikers and hikers, thanks to the rich plot of nature trails that unfold from here. Of particular historical and artistic importance is the eighteenth-century Fantini Palace, which houses a beautiful Italian garden. Near Tredozio there are two natural beauties: the first on is Ponte Lake, an enchanting lake in the middle of the woods, which can be explored by a ring path; while the second on is the spectacular Monte Busca Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world.
Verghereto
The village of Verghereto rises on a rocky medieval spur, of which you can still see the ancient walls. Near the town, there are many excellences of immense naturalistic value that can be explored among hiking trails, bicycles and snowshoes in the winter season. Here, on Mount Fumaiolo, the highest peak of the Apennines, are the sources of three important rivers: the Tiber, the Savio and the Marecchia.
Here’s what you can do in Casentino Forests!
These are just some of the experiences you can find in Casentino Forests.
