A path immersed in the greenery between Casole d’Elsa and Volterra in discovery of the Berignone forests. The area, a regional nature reserve granted in 1995, covers a surface area of 2,166 hectares. The path starts close to the Fosci torrent. Before starting the walk, however, it is worth a visit to Mazzolla, a small village perched on a hill opposite Volterra, which still preserves traces of the medieval period, an age of utmost splendour for the residents of this area. Having crossed the torrent, the path drops down into ‘botro’ Pilelle and continues until reaching a road that runs throughout the whole forest and leads you to the highest peak of the Berignone, Monte Soldano. A short distance away, close to the spring “La Venella”, an educational path has been set up where you can find all the vegetable essences present in the protected area, “certified” with plaques of recognition. At this point, immediately next to the path, a picnic area has been set up where visitors can eat their packed lunches.
The path then continues to Fangaggi, where the dense vegetation and the steep area favour the home of many daytime birds of prey, before encountering the Castello dei Vescovi di Berignone, known as “La Torraccia”, a striking medieval ruin that stands on a rocky spur. The castle belonged to Adalberto Marquis of Tuscany until the 9th century. It was then surrendered to the Bishop of Volterra and finally abandoned in the 15th century. The path then continues along the Sellate torrent, to the confluence with the Fosci torrent. The last part of the path actually follows this torrent, escorting the visitor back to the starting point. The route can also be done by car, on mountain bike or on foot.(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
ShareThis
0 comments:
Post a Comment