Riserva naturale della Valle dell'Inferno e Bandella

The Riserva naturale della Valle dell'Inferno and Bandella is a nature reserve along the Arno River with dense oak forests and wetland areas. The site stretches across a large territory between two bridges and displays the diverse natural habitats of the region.

Before the Levane Dam was built in 1956, the Arno River played a key role in transporting timber from the Casentino forests to Florence and Pisa. The waterways were then a crucial route for trade and supplying these major cities.

The name references the deep gorge that defines the valley, and visitors can observe the wild waterways cutting through the landscape. The place holds connections to local stories about the harsh conditions that earlier travelers experienced in this rugged terrain.

The Monticello Visitor Center offers guided tours, and marked paths allow independent exploration of the reserve. The best times for bird watching are spring and fall, when many species migrate through the area.

The Bandella wetlands host numerous bird species throughout the year, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers that hunt in the shallow waters. This rich diversity attracts bird watchers and offers surprisingly good chances to spot rare species.