National Park of Foreste Casentinesi: amazing itineraries from Portico di Romagna

One of the hugest and most ancient park in Italy. Here the Granducato of Florence and before that the Medici family, used to cut the trees to build their palaces. The legend tells that even the Cathedral in Florence was built using the wood coming from this place. A green, well preserved area that covers two regions, overcoming an administrative borders, artificially created in 1923 but never really existing for ages.

Romagna and Tuscany here were the under the same domain for centuries: the Medici family governed here until the Church conquered Romagna and made it a part of its territory.

Since XI century the monks leaded by Romualdo, cared about the forest and they did it for almost 1000 years, preserving the forest as we know it know.

Itineraries in the forest

Starting your journey from Portico di Romagna into the deep of the park, you must not miss the trekking walk that goes from San Benedetto in Alpe (you will reach it by car together with Matteo Cameli) to the Acquacheta fall. An easy itinerary that will take you to one of the most amazing falls in the surroundings, quoted by Dante in its Divina Commedia. This area was once very populated by farmers, peasants and mill’s owners who helped people milling chestnuts and the poor grain that they grow in the fields taken from the forest. And, as a matter of fact, you will find an ancient mill, along your itinerary, with a special wooden horizontal wheel, still preserved. The mill, as many others here, is not working anymore, but it is interesting as a testimony of the traditional culture.

Passing the falls and climbing further, you will reach the Dante’s bed, a stone overhanging the valley. The view here is terrifying, do not go on the top if you are suffering vertigos.

From your feet to the mountain bike

This is a foot trekking but you can also do it by mountain bike, following a different itinerary. A circle that goes from Portico di Romagna to San Benedetto in Alpe and back. You cycle almost constantly immersed in the forests of beech, fir and pine trees, away from traffic and noise. This is for expert people, just because the drop is very intense.

For those who love to walk slow, we propose you a very slow and easy walk, going in the midst of some fields going from Portico di Romagna to Monte Busca. A journey of just over eleven kilometers that takes about two hours hours.

Ready to embrace the nature?