Il Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano

The Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park

Rifugio dell’Aquila stands at 1,000 m in the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park..
The National Park was established in 2001 and comprises about 22,000 hectares divided among the provinces of Reggio Emilia, Parma, Massa-Carrara and Lucca. The Apennines that rise between the sea of Tuscany and the plains of Emilia breathe airs of Europe and those of the Mediterranean. The Crinale runs on the edge of 2,000 meters. It is a path, suspended between two worlds that in the four seasons change, overturn and regenerate colors, emotions, scents and perspectives.
Much of the Italian biodiversity favored by the contiguity of European and Mediterranean climatic zones is concentrated here. Precisely for these and other reasons, on June 9, 2015 in Paris, UNESCO accepted the candidacy and declared the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines a MaB(Man and Biosphere) Reserve..
223,229 hectares in size, 34 municipalities involved, hosting 70 percent of Italy’s biodiversity, 64 local food products and Slow Food Presidia, forests, forage, crops and livestock, tourism and hospitality, castles and archaeological sites, sports and excitement.

Proposed itineraries to discover the National Park

Visitor Center

As the official Visitor Center for the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, Rifugio dell’Aquila plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism. We offer a variety of enriching activities, including ecological talks, environmental guiding services, and guided outdoor excursions.

Cooperation with thePark Authority allows us to offer free environmental escort services, lectures on environmental issues, outdoor experiences, etc., even to clients who choose the Rifugio dell’Aquila directly without necessarily joining a Tour Operator package.

Excursions

Experiential travel is the driving force behind modern tourism, and tourists are increasingly attracted to emotional experiences that they will take home as memorable and unique memories.

These territories, where the relationship between man and the biosphere has been preserved unchanged over the centuries, represent an ideal destination.
Just a short walk from the Eagle Refuge, you are immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of the Reggio Emilia Apennines with dozens of trails and wonderful peaks where you can touch the sky with your finger.

Appenino Reggiano Tourism - Itineraries and visits

Spallanzani Trail and Apennine Bike Tour

Ligonchio is one of the stops on the Spallanzani Trail. The Spallanzani Trail crosses all the vegetation belts of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, starting from Reggio Emilia and ending at S. Pellegrino in Alpe, on the Tuscan-Emilian ridge. It is a “low” and “medium” mountain trail with a maximum elevation of 1,820 m, about 125 km long, and with a total elevation gain of about 5,000 meters. It can be walked in its entirety by indulging in 8 days of walking, or in sections, stage by stage, to discover its beauty over time.

The Eagle Refuge is also located on the route of theApennine Bike Tour, Italy’s largest cycle route along the back roads of the Apennines. There are 43 stage towns, totaling 2,600 kilometers from Liguria to Sicily.

Environmental guides

For tourists who want to reach less-traveled destinations, the Eagle Refuge offers the possibility of being accompanied by specialized guides.

Arianna, Laura and professionals from Other Steps, an association whose purpose is the creation and dissemination of educational forms and responsible and eco-sustainable tourism, will take you to the discovery of the most “secret”, authentic and full of emotions and living corners.

Local Gastronomy

Emilia Romagna boasts dozens of PDO and PGI products, the heart and roots of a unique and world-renowned gastronomy.
Notable are the excellences of the area, strongly representative of the Made in Italy brand, from the Parmigiano Reggiano to Prosciutto di Parma to theTraditional balsamic vinegar.

The Reggio Emilia Apennines then, with its many typical features, combines the culinary culture of Emilia and Tuscany, offering a unique gastronomic experience in search of flavors, fragrances and folk traditions.

Experience the territory

Il Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano