Berignone
Nature
Reserve
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined.
— Henry David Thoreau
Holiday in Nature
Hiking in the Berignone Park
The Berignone Natural Reserve is a great resource of biodiversity: its forests and undergrowth are rich in different plant species and an abundance of wild fauna. In its interior, there are wild boors, deers, wolves, hares and many varieties of birdlife.
For trekkers, this is an amazing way to explore a wild and silent Tuscany, abounding with electrifying colours and undiscovered landscapes of breath-taking beauty. A unique experience awaits you, ideal for both adults and children. Guests can also explore the park on horse-back or on mountain bike.
Culture and Territory
History of the Nature Reserve of Berignone
The nature reserve of Berignone, established in 1997, is situated in the Valdececina and extends over 2000 hectares of forests and watercourses. Berignone’ comes from the word ‘berigno’, meaning wild forest.From ancient times, timber has been one of the area’s main resources. n the Middle Ages, the territory was dominated by three castles owned by the bishopric: Mt Soldano and Frassineta, destroyed by the Volterrans around 1218 during battles for supremacy over the territory between the Church and the citizenry; and the Castello dei Vescovi (bishops), known as La Torraccia, destroyed in 1447 by the Florentines and whose spectacular ruins are now prominent features of the Park’s skyline.
On the ruins of Castello di Monte Soldano, a villa was built, ancestor to the present-day farmhouse called Caprareccia: this estate affords a magnificent view over centuries-old olive trees, planted on terraces with stone walls.
How to get to the nature reserve
By car
From Florence, take the Superstrada towards Siena, exit at Colle Val D’Elsa.
Follow signs to Volterra. Follow the itinerary for the two castles. Take the road to Mazzolla (about 6kms before Volterra).
By plane
Nearest airports are Galileo Galilei at Pisa, and the Peretola airport at Florence.
Explore
Environs
There are numerous places of historical interest along the many walking tracks: starting from the Fountain of the Venella, down towards the stream Botro to Rio until, on the other side of the mountain, we can admire the isolated, Etruscan-Roman style Castello dei Vescovi and the Castello di Luppiano from the X Century. Going further into the Pomarance area, at the bend in the Cecina river, an area called Masso Delle Fanciulle, is the perfect place for a refreshing dip. An immersion into history and culture awaits in the nearby city of Volterra at about 8-10kms. The history of the ancient custodians of these lands as well as an opportunity for a swim are easily accessible at the Costa degli Etruschi, with Piombino and the evocative Golfo di Baratti.
