Parco regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola, Regional park with gypsum formations in Bologna and Ravenna, Italy.
The Vena del Gesso Romagnola regional park stretches about 25 kilometers and forms a distinctive gray-silvery ridge between Sillaro Valley and Lamone Valley. The area is crossed by hiking trails, mountain bike routes, and Nordic walking paths supported by visitor centers offering maps and guidance.
The protected area was officially established in 2005 to preserve the region's geological formations and archaeological sites. Human presence here reaches back to prehistoric times, revealing a long history of settlement in the Emilia-Romagna area.
The park maintains ties with local farming communities, particularly those growing the traditional Romagna Shallot using methods passed down through generations. These connections show how the landscape and regional agriculture shape each other.
The area is easily accessible by car or public transport with multiple entry points for activities at different skill levels. Wear comfortable shoes and allow flexibility in your schedule, as you might want to spend a few hours or an entire day exploring depending on weather and interests.
The area contains Italy's most extensive gypsum karst system with numerous caves, sinkholes, and steep-sided valleys formed through rock dissolution. This underground landscape makes the park an important location for studying karst geology and subterranean ecosystems.
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