The protected natural area Poggio Ripaghera - Santa Brigida - Valle dell'Inferno stretches for about 800 hectares above the village of Santa Brigida, in the Municipality of Pontassieve area.
A natural area that represents a rare balance between human presence and natural elements, between culture and nature, between men's work and organic processes. With a maximum altitude of 914 metres and a minimum one of 400, the area features several plant and tree species and a substantial amount of wildlife. Inside the area there are many hiking trails that have been guiding for years nature lovers and enthusiasts to the discovery of the peculiarities of this green area.
A place that lends itself to being experienced due to many opportunities, among these a large variety of trails, the presence - unique in Italy - of the Laurino Rockrose or flower of the Madonna floral variety, a rare perennial shrub included in the list of seriously endangered species, and the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary complex, one of the most important architectural complexes of the area.
Furthermore the wood is scattered with ancient butter mills, buildings that bear witness to several settlements of the past: the interest for this small legacy of the past has laid the foundation for their restoration and the creation of a pleasant hiking path, the butter mills trail.
Area naturale protetta di Santa Brigida
Via del Sasso, 12, 50065 Pontassieve FI, Italia
