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Foreste Casentinesi National Park
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The Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, and Campigna National Park stretches across the Apennines between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Established in 1993, the park covers about 36,846 hectares and hosts some of the oldest and best-preserved forests in Europe. A crowning jewel of the park is the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve, established in 1959 as the first of its kind in Italy, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017 for its ancient beech forests. The landscape is dominated by dense stands of beech, silver fir, and maple, providing a first-rate habitat for the Apennine wolf and red deer. Beyond its natural value, the park is deeply connected to religious history, housing the Camaldoli Monastery and the Sanctuary of La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata. Numerous trails allow visitors to discover untouched mountain scenery, including the source of the Arno River on Monte Falterona. Today, the park stands as a leader in sustainable forestry and eco-friendly tourism.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Eremo di Camaldoli · Monte Penna · Poggio Cornacchia
- Nearby: Arezzo (41 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 66 | 66 | 61 | 67 | 45 | 35 | 43 | 72 | 80 | 90 | 66 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Located in the Apennines between Florence and Forlì, the park is accessible via winding mountain passes like Passo della Calla or Passo dei Mandrioli.
Best season
The park is beautiful year-round, but especially in autumn for the spirited foliage or in summer to escape the heat within the deep shade of the ancient forests.
Terrain & paths
The terrain consists of dense, pristine deciduous forests and steep mountain slopes, crisscrossed by an extensive network of well-marked hiking trails.
What to bring
Quality hiking boots are essential, as is a waterproof jacket, since weather in the Apennines can change rapidly and the forests often remain damp and cool.
Parking
Parking is available in the main villages such as Badia Prataglia or Camaldoli and at various pass summits, though these spots can fill up early on weekends.
Safety
Hikers should strictly follow marked trails to protect the untouched environment and should be prepared for significant elevation changes throughout the park.
Time needed
At least two days are recommended to visit the historic monasteries and enjoy a long hike through the ancient forests to experience the area's spiritual calm.
Geography
Facts
- The national park was founded in 1993 and covers 36,846 hectares.
- Sasso Fratino has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017.
- Monte Falterona is the park's highest peak, reaching 1,654 meters.
- The source of the Arno River is located within the park's boundaries.
- There are over 1,300 species of flora recorded in the park territory.
- The Camaldoli Monastery was founded in 1012 by Saint Romuald.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Foreste Casentinesi National Park (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Foreste Casentinesi National Park located?
It stretches across the Apennines between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
Which monasteries can be visited in the park?
The famous spiritual centers of Camaldoli and La Verna (Sanctuary of St. Francis) are within the park.
Can you see wild wolves in the park?
Foreste Casentinesi has one of the highest wolf densities in Italy, but they are very shy and nocturnal.
What is the ideal season for a visit?
Autumn is particularly popular because of the spectacular fall foliage.
Is swimming allowed in the Ridracoli reservoir?
No, swimming is forbidden, but you can rent canoes or take electric boat tours.
Foreste Casentinesi National Park: where is it located?
Foreste Casentinesi National Park is located in Italy.
Foreste Casentinesi National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eremo di Camaldoli, Monte Penna, Poggio Cornacchia.
Foreste Casentinesi National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Foreste Casentinesi National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, and Campigna National Park stretches across the Apennines between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
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