The upper Cecina Walley: excursions and nature reserves.
The Upper Cecina Valley offers one of the last wild and uncontaminated areas in Tuscany; its three nature reserves (Berignone, Monterufoli and Montenero) extend for 7,100 hectares and still conserve an impressive landscape made of authentic plants and rare wildlife species.
Farmhouse "La Schezza", a few steps from the nature reserve of Monterufoli-Caselli.
Monterufoli nature reserve
The
complex geomorphological history of this area originated an extraordinarily
varied scenery; outstanding rocks alternate with deep valleys where
hot spings are a frequent phenomenon. Miles away from your daily life,
this forest is an ideal place where you can forget your worry, perhaps
during a stroll on foot or on horseback, or maybe while wandering around
on your mountain-bike.
The forest is situated in the middle of the Metalliferous Hills; it's
a place rich in minerals and characterized by deposits of magnesite,
lignite and copper.
The Monterufoli Nature Reserve houses a wide range of rare species of
flora and fauna; as you let your gaze wander over the luxuriant vegetation
which covers the hills, tree by tree, all the different shades of green
will disclose to your eyes. Oaks, pines, holm-oaks, turkey-oaks and
bay oaks follow one another together with strawberry-trees and heathers.
Here
all is alive: the gushing springs, the lone birds of prey flying in
the sky; as you make your way into the forest, you will have the chance
to run into the native wildlife: porcupines, mufflons, pheasants, wild
boars, foxes, hares, fallow deer and roe deer will help make your stay
unforgettable.
In this forest, you will also have the opportunity to pay a visit the
so-called 'Villa of Monterufoli', also known as 'the one hundred rooms
villa' for its great and imposing width. Built on the ruins of a medieval
castle, the unquestionable glamour of this country residence is by far
made greater by the 17th century floral decorations of its walls.
The other nature reserves.
Berignone nature reserve
Located between Volterra and Pomarance, this nature reserve is characterized
by softer and milder morphological features; the streams Sellate and
Fosci run through its almost entirely forested territory which is situated
a few minutes distant from Volterra and about 20 Km away from La Schezza.
Montenero nature reserve
Located in a hilly region between Volterra and San Gimignano, this is the smallest protected territory (69 hectares) in the whole Upper Cecina Valley; this area, rich in showering waterfalls, still keeps the ruins of the medieval castle of Nera and the remnants of a coeval church. This nature reserve is just 25 Km far from La Schezza.
Cecina Valley: Excursions on foot and by mountain-bike
You have the opportunity to hire a mountain-bike and take part in one
of the guided bike-excursions organized by La Schezza in partnership
with Vacanzeinbici.
Children under 10 are not allowed.
Every Thursday afternoon, you may take part in the excursion on foot organized by La Schezza & Accademia Libera Natura e Cultura, which will lead you nearby the Castle of Querceto, where you will have the chance to pick some aromatic herbs that you may use to prepare a tasty infusion.
