Discover Piano Degli Ontani: Nature Trails and Local Culture

Piano Degli Ontani is located in the Apennine landscape of the Riserva Naturale dello Stato Piano degli Ontani. The trail to Torre del Fattucchio and a mountain bike and gravel cycling route pass through the surrounding area. Local culture includes the history of Beatrice Bugelli and the Sagra del Neccio.

Forest Reserve and Natural Environment

The Riserva Naturale dello Stato Piano degli Ontani is a mountainous Apennine landscape with beech forests, mixed mesophilous forests, ridge meadows and montane heathlands. The peaks of Poggione, Pizzo Alpestre and Monte Uccelliera rise along the upper ridge.

The natural environment includes the Fior di Pietra visitor centre at the Biogenetic Reserve. It has an educational space, hosts environmental education activities and screenings of nature films, and presents themed exhibitions, both temporary and permanent.

Hiking and Cycling

The loop trail to Torre del Fattucchio is 8 km long and has 270 metres of elevation gain. The Torre del Fattucchio trail begins at La Peschiera in Pian degli Ontani. When planning the day, both the 8 kilometres and the 270 metres of elevation gain should therefore be taken into account for this loop trail.

A mountain bike and gravel cycling route runs through the Biogenetic Forest Reserve of Pian degli Ontani. It is moderately difficult and begins in the square near Albergo La Villa, where there is a spring for refilling water. There are further springs along the route. When planning the ride, cyclists can factor the spring at the starting point and the other springs along the route into their personal schedule.

Sandstone and Distinctive Landforms

Torre del Fattucchio is a sandstone tower several dozen metres high that overlooks the Sestaione valley. The sandstone rocks are also home to the Buca delle Fate, a small cavity from which air rises at a constant temperature.

Beatrice and the Culture of Pian degli Ontani

The “Beatrice” park and cultural trail in Pian degli Ontani runs from the memorial plaque dedicated to Beatrice in Piazza Acerone, through the cultural park on Viale Beatrice, to La Frassa. The Church of Santi Maria e Cirillo in Pian degli Ontani became a parish church in 1785. The year 1785 places the parish church before the 19th century, when Beatrice Bugelli lived.

Beatrice Bugelli, also known as Beatrice di Pian degli Ontani, was an illiterate shepherdess and poet who lived in the 19th century. Her improvised songs in Ottava rima, a form of rhymed improvised poetry, brought fame and recognition to the Val Sestaione.

The area's earlier history also includes its probable use as a summer stop on shepherds' transhumance routes. Transhumance refers to the seasonal movement of herds between pastures.

Local Flavours

The Sagra del Neccio is a local festival celebrating necci, a typical mountain dish. It usually takes place towards the end of August.

As another place within the same destination, you can discover Pian Di Novello.

For the broader travel overview: Cutigliano.