Parco naturale regionale di Piana Crixia, Nature reserve in Piana Crixia, Italy.
Parco naturale regionale di Piana Crixia is a protected nature reserve spanning around 800 hectares across territory between Liguria and Piedmont, with steep rocky slopes alongside cultivated hillsides. The landscape shifts between dramatic rock formations and areas where farming has been part of the land for generations.
The site gained protected park status in 1985 through regional legislation, recognizing its geological importance and biological variety. This official designation came after the landscape's value for preserving natural processes became clear.
Local farming traditions shape the appearance of the land, visible in the organized fields and terraced hillsides throughout the park. These practices reflect influences from both Piedmont and Liguria, and they continue to define how the landscape looks today.
The park has multiple entry points and walking routes suited to different skill levels, so both beginners and experienced hikers can find suitable paths. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and check weather conditions, as slopes can be steep and conditions change quickly.
A striking rock formation known as the Stone Mushroom rises over 10 meters high, featuring a granite boulder balanced atop a clay column shaped by erosion over time. This natural sculpture formed as wind and water gradually removed softer material below, leaving the harder stone perched above.
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