The most evident characteristics of the middle Apennine region between Bologna
and Modena are the result of a rich nature and a still uncontaminated environment,
where anthropic phenomena have not been too invasive and where flora and fauna
find their ideal habitat. It is not by chance that, on this territory, one can find three
Regional Parks: Sassi di Roccamalatina in Guiglia, the historic park, Monte Sole, in
Marzabotto, and Abbazia di Monteveglio in Monteveglio which, in all, cover a
surface area of 8.300 acres. These protected areas safeguard environmental
biodiversity and enhance the rich historic-cultural patrimony of these regions,
carrying out an important role with regards to environmental education and a
correct fruition of the territory.
Aside from the three rivers, Setta, Reno (Bologna), and Panaro (Modena), which
trace the territorial orography, these regions are rich with waters, from lesser brooks
and paths of water. Numerous are the natural springs, such as those of Cereglio
and Tolè (Vergato), and Maserno (Montese), where excellent mineral water is
bottled. Worth mentioning are also the falls, such as those of San Cristofo a
Labante (Castel d'Aiano), of Striscialacqua in Maserno, and the gorge of Gea
(Montese).
Furthermore, these regions, do not lack several particular features in their arboreal
flora, such as the Bosco delle betulle (Woods of the birch trees), with its didactic
area, located in San Giacomo of Zocca, where we can also find secular chestnut
trees, as well as in Malalbergo of Montese, Semelano, and Montalto (Montese),
including one of the largest chestnut trees, located in Montombraro of Zocca, which
boasts a circumference of 8 meters. One can then find secular oak trees in Tolè
(Vergato), and in Manovella (Marzabotto). Among the evergreens, one can find the
red spruce of Riola di Labante (Castel d'Aiano), as well as holm oaks and pine trees
in the park of Monte Sole (Marzabotto).
This is also considered an interesting territory from a geological viewpoint, with
marlstones, sandstones and several Karst formations.
Among the stones and rocks, one must mention the sandy peaks of the Sassi di
Roccamalatina, result of the same erosive phenomena that created the Dito di
Samone and the Sasso di Sant'Andrea in Montecorone, or such as the Sassi dei
Carli (or Cinghio dei diamanti - Belt of Diamonds) in Caselluccio di Montese. Of
interest are also the slates of Finocchia and those which form the lair of Pargoletto,
near Labante (Castel d'Aiano). Considered an erosive phenomena are also those
which formed the Tana delle fate (Lair of Fairies) always in Castel d'Aiano.
Numerous are also the grottos and caves, from the grotto of San Cristoforo a
Labante, characterized by a particular travertine form, to the Grotta delle Spugne
(Grotto of the Sponges) and the grottos in Soprasasso of Riola (Vergato).
As mentioned, this territory is often characterized by morphologies leading to
phenomena of Karst formations, therefore, it is not rare if one finds caves, pits, and
dolines in the area. One of these phenomena is the grotto of Cavicchio in the
commune of Montese, the closed- bottom pit of Burroni in Guiglia, and the openbottom
pitd in Rosola (Zocca), as well as the dolines of Monteforte, and the
sinkholes of Serre di Samone.
Instead, on a morphologic level, and of equal importance, are the spectacular
eroded furrow formations found in the park of Monte Sole.
A vast network of paths, all marked and indicated with maps by the CAI, allow
visitors to discover all the naturalistic-landscape beauties and the historicarchitectural
points of interest this territory offers, both in and out of the park area. |
