Author Archives: Bonclerici House

Le Marche in central Italy is a perfect place for a peaceful stay, thanks to the picturesque villages and stunning countryside. Less well-known than other places in the region, the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve, with its 52 kilometres of mountain trails, roman history and unspoilt beauty are easily accessible for days out from Cagli. Trails are well sign-posted and lead visitors through woods and meadows on the summit of Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio, with other, more challenging routes for more adventurous walkers. Visitors can park at the reserve’s visitor centre in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna or near the Enel dam and the church of Pietralata, which can be used as a starting point for hikes. An up-to-date map of the trails can be downloaded at: http://www.riservagoladelfurlo.it/vivere-la-riserva/carta-escursionistica orpicked up at the visitor’s centre where plenty of information about the reserve is available.

For further information contact the Reserve’s Visitor Center (phone: 0721-700041; E-mail riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it) or the holiday home Bonclerici House in Cagli (phone 0721-1708302; E-mail info@bonclericihouse.it) which promotes sustainable tourism and is partner to the Reserve in the achievement of CETS (European certificate for sustainable tourism).

Families with children might prefer the easier, flat walks along the Via Flaminia to the two roman tunnels. The longer tunnel which was created under the rule of the emperor Vespasian in 76 A.D., together with the adjoining shorter tunnel and other remains within a few kilometres, are an unmissable attraction for anybody interested in history and archeology. The via Flaminia, built by consul Gaio Flaminio in 220-219 B.C. to connect Rome to Rimini was one of the most strategically important in the road network of ancient Rome as it connected the capital to the North. Just ten years later, a few kilometres from the Gola del Furlo, the romans defeated the Carthaginian troops of Hasdrubal reversing the situation in the second Punic War, in the decisive battle of Metauro.

It is possible to walk to Monte Pietralata along the asphalt road from outside the Visitor Centre. It is worth stopping to take in the view from the panoramic terrace overlooking the gorge, with the Appenines on the right and the Adriatic Sea in the distance to the left. On the side of Monte Pietralata, you can still see an imposing head of Mussolini which was carved into the rock in the 1930s by supporters  of il Duce as he used to stop in the village on his way to Rome.

Hiking through the woods and the meadows of the summit, walkers can admire the varieties of native flowers and protected plants. The area is rich with wildlife such as wolves, fallow deer, rodents and birds of prey such as the golden eagle (symbol of the reserve). You may even catch sight of the animals or their tracks, which makes the visit even more special. The area along the Candigliano river where the hydro-electric dam was built, is also a favourite spot for passionate ornithologists who, through the changing seasons, dedicate themselves to the observation of migratory and sedentary bird species.

Hiking freely in family bubbles through woods and over mountains is widely considered to be a safe way to spend a holiday during these days of the pandemic and until we can get back to a normal way of life. Social distancing is guaranteed by the wide open space and the clean of the air is always good for the lungs.

Less well-known than other places in Le Marche region, the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve, with its 52 kilometres of mountain trails, roman history and unspoilt beauty near Cagli is perfect for hiking in small groups with social distancing from other people. Trails are well sign-posted and lead visitors through woods and meadows on the summit of Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio, with easy or more challenging routes. Visitors can park at the Reserve’s Visitor Centre in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna or near the Enel dam which can be used as a starting point for hikes. The church of Pietralata is a perfect starting point too for scenic ring walks. An up-to-date map of the trails can be downloaded at: http://www.riservagoladelfurlo.it/vivere-la-riserva/carta-escursionistica or picked up at the Visitor Centre where plenty of information about the reserve is available.

For further information contact the Reserve’s Visitor Center (phone: 0721-700041; E-mail riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it) or the holiday home Bonclerici House (0721-1708302; E-mail info@bonclericihouse.it) which promotes sustainable tourism and is partner to the Reserve in the achievement of CETS (European certificate for sustainable tourism).

Families with children might prefer the easier, flat walks along the Via Flaminia to the two roman tunnels. The longer tunnel which was created under the rule of the emperor Vespasian in 76 A.D., together with the adjoining shorter tunnel and other remains within a few kilometres, are an unmissable attraction for anybody interested in history and archeology. The via Flaminia, built by consul Gaio Flaminio in 220-219 B.C. to connect Rome to Rimini was one of the most strategically important in the road network of ancient Rome as it connected the capital to the North. Just ten years later, a few kilometres from the Gola del Furlo, the Romans defeated the carthaginian troops of Hasdrubal reversing the situation in the second Punic War, in the decisive battle of Metauro. If the Carthaginians had won the war the history of Europe, not only of Italy, would have taken another course.

It is possible to walk to Monte Pietralata along the asphalt road from outside the Visitor Centre. It is worth stopping to take in the view from the panoramic terrace overlooking the gorge, with the Appenines on the right and the Adriatic Sea in the distance to the left. On the front of Monte Pietralata, it is still possible to recognize the rock wall where an imposing head of Mussolini was carved into in the 1930s as he used to stop in the village of Furlo on his way to Rome.

Hiking through the woods and the meadows of the summits in the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve, walkers can admire the varieties of native flowers and protected plants. The area is rich with wildlife such as wolves, fallow deer, rodents and birds of prey such as the golden eagle (symbol of the Reserve). You may even catch sight of the animals or their tracks, which makes the visit even more special. The area along the Candigliano river where the hydro-electric dam was built, is also a favourite spot for passionate ornithologists who, through the changing seasons, dedicate themselves to the observation of migratory and sedentary bird species.

The program of outdoor activities to enjoy the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve from June to November 2020 – free events such as nature walks, visits to the archaeological area of the Roman tunnels along the via Flaminia, guided walks throughout the network of trails, observation of the golden eagles’ eyrie..- will be communicated by the staff of the Reserve in the next weeks.

Waiting for the beginning of the organized events visitors can enjoy the Nature Reserve in January, February and March on their own. In the winter months hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the not rare good weather conditions to explore the protected area and the Roman tunnels on the Via Flaminia. Hiking to scenic spots on Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio is easy thanks to the new map of the trails and information which can be downloaded from the website www.riservagoladefurlo.it . Also in case of snow amazing easy walks can be made on the flat road to the Roman tunnels and to admire the view from Monte Pietralata.

Information and maps are also provided by the Reserve’s visitor centre, open from the beginning of March. There is free entrance to the visitor centre and to the attached Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36. Phone: 0721-700041. E-mail: riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it . The nature museum and the visitor centre are open every day from 9am to 1pm from Easter time to the beginning of June (closed on Monday); every day from 9am to 1pm and from 2 pm to 7pm from the beginning of June to the middle of September (closed on Monday); every day from 9am to 1pm from the middle of September to the beginning of November (closed on Monday). Free entrance. Addresse: via Flaminia 36 Furlo di Acqualagna. Phone: +39 (0)721 700041.

Visits to Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum. The renewed museum hosts a large collection of stuffed animals, rocks and fossils. Interactive software transports visitors back millions of years on a journey to discover Gola del Furlo’s geological and anthropological history. An observation system has been established to allow visitors admire the eyrie of the golden eagles, built on the crags of Monte Paganuccio.

Hikes in the Nature Reserve with the free maps. The Nature Reserve visitor centre provides free maps and information in English to help visitors discover the nature and history of the Reserve. Hikes in the Reserve are free and vary from short strolls in the area of the roman tunnels and of the romanesque abbey to more challenging walks to the mountain summits from where it is possible to enjoy awe-inspiring sights over the Apennines.

For further information or to be helped in signing up for the free events taking place from June to November visitors can contact Bonclerici House apartments for holidays by the phone number 0039(0)721 1708302 or by the email address  info@bonclericihouse.it . Bonclerici House believes in sustainable tourism and is partner to the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve in the achievement of the european certificate for sustainable tourism (CETS).

Free events like guided walks and playful activities for children are organized to enjoy the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve from June to November. To take part in the events, the Nature Reserve requires a reservation by calling the phone number 800 028 800 or by contacting the email address riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it. Information on the phone: 0039 (0)721 700041. This is the program of the free events taking place in the Reserve in 2019:

June 1 (3.30pm). Inauguration of the refuge Ca’ I Fabbri. Easy walk throughout the woods up Monte Paganuccio

June 2 (8.45am). Walk on a ring trail up Monte Pietralata with the guides of the chapter of Pesaro of the Club Alpino Italiano, the national mountaineering association.

June 16 (2.45pm). Tra le meraviglie della Gola. Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

June 22 (5.15pm). Guided walk accessible to everybody to admire the Nature Reserve’s landscapes

June 23 (3pm). Readings for children in the woods up Monte Pietralata

June 30 (2.30pm). Tra le meraviglie della Gola. Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

July 7 (5pm). Guided walk for families to recognize tracks and wild animals’ calls in the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve at sunset

July 13 (5.30pm). Readings for children in the woods enjoying breathtaking landscapes at sunset

July 21 (8.30am). Guided walk for nature photography enthusiasts throughout woods and pastures up Monte Paganuccio

July 28 (9am). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo. Black truffle based meals and tasting of wines from Le Marche on the occasion of the Black Summer Truffle Fair in the village of Furlo. Jazz concert at 9pm

August 4 (3.30pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

August 11 (7.30pm). Playful activities for children at the park La Golena and in the Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum

August 17 (4pm). Readings for children enjoying breathtaking landscapes in the Gola del Furlo

August 18 (5pm). Guided walk up Monte Pietralata to enjoy the landscape until sunset

August 25 (3pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

September 1 (2.30pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

September 8 (4pm). Guided walk for families to recognize wild animals’ tracks in the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve

September 22 (9pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo accessible to everybody on the occasion of the 3^rd National meeting of the Joëlette, the special armchair to carry disabled people

September 22 (3pm). Playful activities and readings for children at the park La Golena

October 26 (3.30pm). Furlo Family. Playful activities for children at the Visitor Centre and Halloween party

October 27 (8.45am). Hiking up Monte Pietralata to learn about orientation by maps and compass with the guides of the chapter of Pesaro of the Club Alpino Italiano, the national mountaineering association

October 27 (9.15am and 2.15pm). Searching for truffles. On the occasion of the 54^ edition of the White truffle fair taking place in Acqualagna a truffle hunter with his dog will take the visitors up Monte Pietralata for a demonstration about how to find truffles

November 1 (8.45am). Hiking up Monte Pietralata to enjoy the grand landscapes with the guides of the chapter of Pesaro of the Club Alpino Italiano, the national mountaineering association

November 1 (9.15am and  2.15pm). Nature walk along the Via Flaminia to learn about the Roman tunnels and the dam on the Candigliano river. Visit to the Lorenzo Mannozzi-Torini nature museum

November 2 (9.30am). Introduction to truffles. On the occasion of the 54^ edition of the White truffle fair taking place in Acqualagna the Reserve’s visitors will be taught about truffles and lead to the ground up Monte Pietralata where black truffles are cultivated

November 2 (9.45am and 2.15pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

November 3 (10am). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

November 9 (2.45pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

November 10 (9.15am). Guided walk up Monte Pietralata to admire the Reserve’s grand landscapes. Sack lunch

November 10 (10am). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo.

The meeting point is for all of the events at the Nature Reserve Visitor Centre in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36. For further information or to be helped in signing up for the events visitors can contact Bonclerici House apartments for holidays by the phone number 0039(0)721 1708302 or by the email address  info@bonclericihouse.it . Bonclerici House believes in sustainable tourism and is partner to the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve in the achievement of the european certificate for sustainable tourism (CETS).

Free events like guided walks and playful activities for children are organized to enjoy the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve from June to September. To take part in the events, the Nature Reserve requires a reservation by calling the phone number 800 028 800 or by contacting the email address riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it. Information on the phone: 0039 (0)721 700041. This is the program of the free events taking place in the Reserve in 2019:
June 1 (3.30pm). Inauguration of the refuge Ca’ I Fabbri. Easy walk throughout the woods up Monte Paganuccio

June 2 (8.45am). Walk on a ring trail up Monte Pietralata with the guides of the chapter of Pesaro of the Club Alpino Italiano, the national mountaineering association.

June 16 (2.45pm). Tra le meraviglie della Gola. Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

June 22 (5.15pm). Guided walk accessible to everybody to admire the Nature Reserve’s landscapes

June 23 (3pm). Readings for children in the woods up Monte Pietralata

June 30 (2.30pm). Tra le meraviglie della Gola. Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

July 7 (5pm). Guided walk for families to recognize tracks and wild animals’ calls in the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve at sunset

July 13 (5.30pm). Readings for children in the woods enjoying breathtaking landscapes at sunset

July 21 (8.30am). Guided walk for nature photography enthusiasts throughout woods and pastures up Monte Paganuccio

July 28 (9am). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo. Black truffle based meals and tasting of wines from Le Marche on the occasion of the Black Summer Truffle Fair in the village of Furlo. Jazz concert at 9pm

August 4 (3.30pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

August 11 (7.30pm). Playful activities for children at the park La Golena and in the Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum

August 17 (4pm). Readings for children enjoying breathtaking landscapes in the Gola del Furlo

August 18 (5pm). Guided walk up Monte Pietralata to enjoy the landscape until sunset

August 25 (3pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

September 1 (2.30pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo

September 8 (4pm). Guided walk for families to recognize wild animals’ tracks in the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve

September 22 (9pm). Guided walk to discover nature and history throughout the Gola del Furlo accessible to everybody on the occasion of the 3^rd National meeting of the Joëlette, the special armchair to carry disabled people

September 22 (3pm). Playful activities and readings for children

The meeting point is for all of the events at the Nature Reserve Visitor Centre in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36. For further information or to be helped in signing up for the events visitors can contact Bonclerici House apartments for holidays by the phone number 0039(0)721 1708302 or by the email address  info@bonclericihouse.it . Bonclerici House believes in sustainable tourism and is partner to the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve in the achievement of the european certificate for sustainable tourism (CETS).

The outdoor activities to enjoy the Reserve – such as nature walks, visits to the archaeological area of the Roman tunnels along the via Flaminia, guided walks throughout the network of trails, observation of the golden eagles’ eyrie..- will restart in May by the program of free events taking place as in the past years until November.

Waiting for the program of free events, the Nature Reserve can also be enjoyed from January to the beginning of the spring. In the winter months hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the not rare good weather conditions to explore the protected area as well as to visit the Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum in the village of Furlo, open from the beginning of March. Hiking to scenic spots on Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio is easy thanks to maps and information which can be downloaded from the website www.riservagoladefurlo.it . Information and maps are also provided by the Reserve’s visitor centre, open from the beginning of March. There is free entrance to the visitor centre and to the attached Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36. Phone: 0721-700041. E-mail: riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it

Visits to Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum. The renewed museum hosts a large collection of stuffed animals, rocks and fossils. Interactive software transports visitors back millions of years on a journey to discover Gola del Furlo’s geological and anthropological history. An observation system has been established to allow visitors admire the eyrie of the golden eagles, built on the crags of Monte Paganuccio.

Hikes in the Nature Reserve with the free maps. The Nature Reserve visitor centre provides free maps and information in English to help visitors discover the nature and history of the Reserve. Hikes in the Reserve are free and vary from short strolls in the area of the roman tunnels and of the romanesque abbey to more challenging walks to the mountain summits from where it is possible to enjoy awe-inspiring sights over the Apennines.

The Nature Reserve is perfect to be enjoyed in springtime. In April, May and June hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the good weather conditions to explore the protected area as well as to visit the Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum in the village of Furlo. Hiking to scenic spots on Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio is easy thanks to maps and information provided by the Reserve’s visitor centre. There is free entrance to the visitor centre and to the attached nature museum in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna. Opening times: Monday-Friday 9.00 – 13.00; Saturday and Sunday 9.00 -13.00 and 14.00 – 18.00. Phone: 0721-700041. E-mail: riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it

Visits to Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini nature museum. The renewed museum hosts a large collection of stuffed animals, rocks and fossils. An interactive software transports visitors back in time millions of years on a journey to discover Gola del Furlo’s geological and anthropological history. An observation system has been established to allow visitors admire the eyrie of the golden eagle, built on the crags of Monte Paganuccio.

Hikes in the Nature Reserve by the free maps. The Nature Reserve visitor centre provides free maps and information in English to help visitors discover nature and history of the Reserve. Hikes in the Reserve are free and vary from short strolls in the area of the roman tunnels and of the romanesque abbey to more challenging walks to the mountain summits from where it is possible to enjoy awe-inspiring sights over the Apennines.

Guided walks taking up to Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio to see stunning autumn colours are the free opportunities to enjoy the Nature Reserve on the occasion of the National day of Trees.

The autumn walk to Monte Paganuccio will start at 9.30am after the guided visit to the nature museum Lorenzo Mannozzi Torini. Partecipants will reach by their own cars the starting point of the walk. Off-road vehicles are recommended. Partecipants are asked to wear shoes and clothes appropriate for the weather. Bring bottled water and sack-lunch. Lenght of trail: 11 kilometres round trip. The hike will last approximately 6 hours. Drop: 500 metres. Meet at the Nature Reserve visitor centre, in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36.

The sensorial walk to Monte Pietralata will be at 10.30am. Easy to moderate hike for families. Thanks to volunteers manoeuvring Joelette, a two-wheeled chair that enables people with reduced mobility to get involved in hiking excursions, the event will be accessible to everybody. Partecipants are asked to wear shoes and clothes appropriate for the weather and to bring bottled water. Meet at the Nature Reserve visitor centre, in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36.

Free admission to both events. Reservation is required. Contact the Nature Reserve visitor centre. Phone: 0721-700041. E-mail: riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it

Free walks to discover year round and migratory birds with an experienced birder and autumn walks throughout the Gola del Furlo are the opportunities to enjoy the Nature Reserve during the week-end.

Saturday 11 November: Birdwatching.  From 2 to 5 pm it will be possible to enjoy the Reserve thanks to birding walks to learn about the year round and migratory birds. An experienced ornithologist will lead partecipants along the scenic Candigliano River making stops at some birdwatching hot spots. The ornithologist will show how to recognize species recorded in the protected area, from water birds to diurnal birds of prey, by listening to their calls and observing their habits. The walk will be flat and accessible to everybody. Meet at the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve tourist office in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36. Partecipants are recommended to bring binoculars. Reservation is not required.

Sunday 12 November: Autumn walks and birdwatching. Birding walks along the Candigliano River to discover the year round and migratory birds will be from 9am to 5pm. The experienced ornithologist will be happy to help partecipants recognize species and enjoy nature in the Gola del Furlo.

Guided walks in the morning and in the afternoon will show off the palette of colors in the protected area during autumn. Meet at 10.30am and 2.30pm at the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve tourist office in the village of Furlo di Acqualagna, via Flaminia n.36. The 3 kilometre walk alongside the Candigliano River “Meraviglie d’autunno nella Gola del Furlo” will be flat and accessible to everybody. The visitors will enjoy stunning autumn colours and explore the marvels of history and nature. A guide will explain the sorts of plants and flowers and talk about the wild animals and birds of prey, such as the golden eagle, which can be observed in the protected area. It will be possible to admire also the two tunnels bored by the Romans along the consular via Flaminia, the grand road built by the consul Caio Flaminio in the III century B.C. to connect Rome to Rimini. Free admission. Reservation is required. Contact the Nature Reserve tourist office. Phone: 0721-700041. E-mail: riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it