Share
Digg
RSS
Tuscany+
Where to sleep
Where to eat
How to get here
Our proposals
Mobile App
Multimedia
Download
This canyon in the Valle di Serchio is a paradise for nature lovers and those who adore the thrill of walking through a steep, rocky gorge. The Orrido di Botri near Bagni di Lucca is an impressive limestone gorge with steep walls carved out of the rock by the cold water of the Rio Pelago. The Orrido forms a very narrow valley created by water erosion. Movements of the earth’s tectonic forces also played a role in creating this dramatic gorge, as fractures and crevasses aided the flow of water in shaping the land. The canyon is quite unspoiled and so is also home to many rare and majestic animals such as the royal eagle and the wolf.
In order to protect and preserve the natural beauty of this site, the Orrido di Botri was awarded Nature Reserve status in 1971. The reserve covers an area of 286 hectares and is run by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato (the State Parks Protection Service). All visits to the Orrido begin at the Ponte a Gaio (Gaio Bridge) which is the only way into the reserve. There is a visitor’s centre and ticket office there. The reserve is open from June through to September and all visitors must wear helmets. Visitors enter the canyon itself by walking along the river bed right up to an area known as ‘Piscina’ (‘Pool’). This walk takes about 4 hours. It’s possible to take a guided walk through the gorge in groups of at least 8 people.
In order to protect and preserve the natural beauty of this site, the Orrido di Botri was awarded Nature Reserve status in 1971. The reserve covers an area of 286 hectares and is run by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato (the State Parks Protection Service). All visits to the Orrido begin at the Ponte a Gaio (Gaio Bridge) which is the only way into the reserve. There is a visitor’s centre and ticket office there. The reserve is open from June through to September and all visitors must wear helmets. Visitors enter the canyon itself by walking along the river bed right up to an area known as ‘Piscina’ (‘Pool’). This walk takes about 4 hours. It’s possible to take a guided walk through the gorge in groups of at least 8 people.
