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The Valnerina
The Valnerina is one of the Apennine's most beautiful valleys.
It's harsh, narrow, dotted with castles, bridges, forts and monasteries and was a tough one for travellers until very recently.
The Valnerina is still covered in thick forests and touches 2500 metres in altitude.
Even today there are parts of the road which must be taken with great care, especially in winter.
In fact, if you find yourself in Ferentillo just outside Terni in January with the whole valley before you and your destination seemingly blocked by the snowy peaks of the Monti Sibillini, you might think twice before setting off.
When the snows melt, the route is especially favoured by touring motorbikers who find a fairly empty road with virtually no straight stretches from Cascia to Visso in Le Marche.
Interestingly, apart from the high pastures, almost everything you see has been brought here by Man over the centuries, from the colourful violets, orchids, and peonies to even the edelweiss.
We're not sure if this is the case with the fauna, but let your imagination ponder tales of wolves, wildcats, eagles, falcons and owls. In the rivers you can also still find river shrimps. |
