Casentino for everyone

In terms of experiences to be had in the Casentinesi Forests, we can recommend 3 routes.

The Cancellino-Lama Forest Track near Badia Prataglia was once a small narrow-gauge railway that, from the Lama (the magical heart of the National Park) reached Cancellino for the purpose of transporting timber. The railroad was demolished in 1920 and, as a reminder of this, there remains the beautiful forest track that you can now walk along, totaling 12.4 miles or 20 kilometers in utter silence and safety. From Badia Prataglia, you can park your car in Cancellino then continue by foot, stroller or wheelchair. The gravel road is closed to motorized vehicles and is easy to travel. 

The Castagneto di Montalto Forest Track in Stia starts from the locality of Montalto, 5 miles/8 kilometers from the town of Stia. Next to the ancient Church of Madonna di Montalto is a picnic area equipped with barbecues. The gravel road is closed to motorized vehicles and is easy to travel, especially the first stretch. Here we are in an iconic place in the Casentinesi Forests Park, where the Arno River has its source. 

The Badia Prataglia-Campo dell’Agio Forest Trail of Badia Prataglia starts out from the village of Badia Prataglia, following the “Sentiero dei Castelletti” in the direction of Sassopiano, along a road that is initially paved then becomes dirt and closed to motorized vehicles. It is easy to walk, presenting only a slight ascent, until you reach the clearing of Campo dell’Agio, where there is a picnic area equipped with barbecues, water and toilets.

The facilities of the Casentino Ecomuseum have actively removed architectural barriers. You can find out about its facilities and access conditions by browsing the interactive map: https://ecomuseodelcasentino.it/en/mappa-ecomusei-del-casentino.

Con Gli Occhi Nelle Mani (With Eyes in Hands) is a project born from the desire to create new opportunities for knowledge and interaction dedicated to the intangible heritage of Casentino. To this end, 2 sensory boxes have been created that can be enjoyed by special audiences, not only blind and visually impaired people but inclusive of all other visitors. Read more: 

The Casentino Archaeological Museum houses artifacts illustrating the history of the valley from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. Halfway along this chronological path is a thematic in-depth study devoted to Etruscan sanctuaries and, in particular, to the 2 most important Casentinesi archaeological sites: the Temple of Pieve a Socana and the Lake of Idols on Monte Falterona. The exhibition route is further embellished with panels and supports for children and blind people. Now the museum is even equipped with platforms that serve to offer a better view of the material and especially to reach the final multimedia room even in a wheelchair. Inside the facility, interactive games have been set up to help children and people with cognitive disabilities understand the exhibited material. Further enriching the inclusive visitor experience are the tactile table with multiple stations and talking votive statuettes, as well as the Braille pathway.

In the museum garden are benches for breastfeeding and further supports considering people with disabilities.