Mount Falterona

The Falterona mountain group is the most important mountainous area in the Casentino Natural Forest Park. Its most majestic and wild area is in the part of the park that faces the city of Florence. The mountain is steeped not only in natural beauty but also in spirituality, in fact, its name has Etruscan origins which translate to ‘throne of the Gods’ or ‘prince of the sky’ (‘Fal truna’).

During the Medieval period, the mountain belonged to the Count Guidi line. In 1335 a huge landslide took place which resulted in 6 months of crisis in Florence’s wool industry. The city of Florence later took possession of this mountainous area and made Castagno an official province. In 1442 a law was approved which set down important guidelines concerning, among other things, the relationship between man and nature on the mountain.

The visitors’ centre analyses the mountain from many different angles. It examines the people who have lived and passed through the area, from ancient Etruscan civilization to Dante and from Dino Campana to the Allied Troupes during WWII. Also in the visitors’ centre there is a section dedicated to the geology of the mountain with an interactive model, an analysis of the rock stratification and information boards about the mountain’s geology and the famous fourteenth century landslide.

There is a room which focuses on the history and inhabitants of the town of Castagno. Their relationship with the local chestnut harvest is examined as well as the economic importance of the Mugello IGP chestnut and modern agricultural techniques for cultivating chestnuts. Finally, the visitors’ centre also has a small room where you can see a short but fascinating film about the mountain and the chestnut seasons. Upstairs there is a large room for groups equipped with computers and projectors.

www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it/pfc/index.php