Portico e San Benedetto: Forest Valleys, Trails and History

Between Defensive Walls and Forest Valleys

Portico e San Benedetto is a destination for you if you want to combine historic townscapes with immersive experiences in nature. The oldest part of Portico di Romagna lies on the Girone rocky spur. Sections of defensive walls and fortifications have been preserved there. The town's layout itself is also worth taking time to appreciate: Portico preserves three clearly distinct levels, connected by impressive footpaths and following an urban design scheme corresponding to the social hierarchies of the time.

Numerous trails and walks from the centre of Portico lead to the ridges separating the Montone Valley from the valleys of the Rabbi and Tramazzo. This gives you different starting points for planning your days, without having to consider culture and landscape separately. When choosing accommodation, it is particularly useful to consider whether you want to focus your stay more on Portico's historic structures, on walks or on longer routes through the valleys.

Acquacheta and the Landscape of the Protected Area

The SAC/SPA IT4080002 Acquacheta protected area covers 1,656 hectares. It extends across the northern offshoot of the park between the wild upper Tramazzo Valley and the small Acquacheta Valley. The IT4080002 Acquacheta Site of Community Importance contains 16 habitats belonging to the Natura 2000 network, including 7 priority habitats. This classification also makes the landscape interesting for visitors who want their walks to offer not only striking views but also an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of protected habitats.

One particularly impressive landscape feature is the Acquacheta stream. After reaching Pian dei Romiti, it plunges over a drop of more than 70 metres, forming the Acquacheta Waterfall. A two-hour trail leads to this waterfall from San Benedetto in Alpe.

Trails with Historical Connections

The second stage of the Sentiero delle Foreste Sacre runs from San Benedetto in Alpe to Castagno d’Andrea. It initially follows the valley of the Fosso dell’Acquacheta, passing the Acquacheta Waterfall and the Pian dei Romiti plateau, then climbs to the ridge and reaches the Passo del Muraglione. This is considered a historic crossing between Romagna and Mugello. If you are looking for accommodation for a nature- and culture-focused stay, this route primarily helps you decide whether to focus on walks in the surrounding area or on a longer stage.

San Benedetto in Alpe also has notable historic landmarks. Parts of the crypt, remains of the cloister with a well, the cloister portal, a defensive tower and the monks' cells can be seen at the former Benedictine abbey. The impressive structures of the old mill, which once housed the abbey's mills, now house the visitor centre of the Casentinesi Forests National Park.

Getting There and Other Places

From Forlì, Portico e San Benedetto can be reached via the S.S. 67 towards Florence. For further travel planning, you can also compare Ronco, Bagno Di Romagna, Camposonaldo, Carpinello, Galeata, Montetiffi, Meldola and Montepetra.

For the broader travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.