Places
Park·Easy·Family·Popular
Riserva di Vallombrosa
Tuscany
Monks of the Vallombrosan order have managed these woods since the 11th century, and the forest later became a training ground for Italy's first school of forestry. Towering silver firs, planted and native, mix with beech on the slopes above the historic abbey, and a small arboretum showcases tree species from around the world. Milton is said to have drawn on Vallombrosa's fallen autumn leaves for a famous simile in Paradise Lost.
Duration
2 hours
Distance
5 km
Elevation
+200 m
Best season
May – October
Highlights
- Historic Vallombrosan abbey and forest
- One of Italy's oldest arboretums
- Milton connection via Paradise Lost
With your dog
Wide forestry roads throughout; dogs off-leash fine on most trails.
