Lessinia Regional Natural Park: nature, fossils, and scenery of a bygone era

A few kilometers from Verona, there is a surprising corner of Veneto where time seems to slow down, amidst canyons and ancient fossils interspersed with pastures and woods. Here lies the Lessinia Regional Natural Park, covering over 10,000 hectares and guarding a mosaic of landscapes. You can see both green alpine pastures (malghe) and rocky gorges, making it a perfect place for those who love nature excursions, but also for discovering millennia-old stories hidden in this magical place.

One of the most important symbols is the Ponte di Veja, which is a huge natural arch made of limestone rock. It is the largest in Europe and, according to legend, inspired Dante for the Inferno. A different air breathes here, one also made of literature; walking across it is an experience that leaves you breathless. But the paleontological sites are also very fascinating; indeed, the Lessinia Park is a fossil mine.

The Bolca Fossil Museum houses unique finds in the world, dating back over 50 million years, where you can see these rock slabs, still perfectly preserved because this area was once a warm, shallow sea. Among the most beloved destinations is also Malga Lessinia, a panoramic viewpoint located at about 1500 meters of altitude, from which you can admire the Alps, the Po Valley, and even the Apennines on clearer days. Furthermore, in the area, you can also taste typical Veronese dishes, such as gnocchi, polenta, and local cheeses.

The Valle degli Sfingi (Valley of the Sphinxes) is another unmissable stop and is a plateau dominated by large rocks shaped by erosion. In Lessinia, a Germanic language, Cimbrian, is spoken, famous for its place names and celebrated in festivals and museums. The area was colonized in the Middle Ages by Germanic populations who were isolated for centuries among the mountains.

The Lessinia Park is ideal in every season because both in winter, when it snows, and in summer, when the sky is clear, it is perfect for visiting and fully appreciating.

Cover photo credits: Vid Pogacnik (Wikimedia)