Vena del Gesso Romagnola: the park of crystal wonders

A long hilly ridge made entirely of gypsum hides in a protected area unique in Europe, in the heart of Romagna, between the provinces of Ravenna and Forlì-Cesena: this is the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Park. It spectacularly surfaces for over 20 km, and has been a UNESCO site since 2023.

The park is a true paradise for geology lovers. Some itineraries, such as the one towards Monte Mauro or the Grotta del Re Tiberio, offer breathtaking views, among long white ridges, ancient parish churches, and gypsum cliffs. There are over 200 caves, and they can be visited, accompanied by guides. Among the most famous are the Grotta del Re Tiberio and the Grotta della Tana, which hosts stalactites, bats, and mysterious crystalline formations. In addition to the wonders inside the caves, exceptional biodiversity is also witnessed outside: including rare orchids, wild lavender, and spectacular animals. The park also includes enchanting villages like Brisighella, where you can walk the famous "Donkey's Path" (Sentiero degli asini), or Casola Valsenio, known for its Medicinal Herb Garden. The food here is divine: you can try the local oil, or even wines like Albana and Sangiovese, or typical dishes such as passatelli asciutti with truffle and green lasagna. The park is easily accessible by car from Faenza, Imola, or Forlì, and many trails start directly from the villages, making everything more convenient.

photo credits official website