Exploring the Brattello Forest
The Brattello Forest, the green jewel of Lunigiana, offers an immersive experience in wild nature, among ancient paths, mountain bike routes and rich traditions. Located in the territory of the Municipality of Pontremoli, this forest extends on the northern border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, along the suggestive Passo del Brattello (953 m above sea level), which is crossed by an ancient road that connected the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and d the Duchy of Parma.
The forest complex
The Brattello Forest complex extends over an area of 322 hectares. From an administrative point of view, the area falls entirely within the municipal territory of Pontremoli, which is about 20 km from the forest.
The Brattello Forest winds along the Tuscan-Emilian watershed, with a predominantly south-west – north-east trend, extending between the pass of the same name and the Borgallo Pass, at an altitude that varies between 900 and 1125 meters above sea level.
Flora and fauna
Originally characterized by pastures and copses, the forest was the subject of reforestation during the twentieth century. Today it is home to a large variety of tree species including black pines, beeches, chestnuts and turkey oaks. Among the inhabitants of the local fauna you can spot hares, roe deer, wild boars, foxes and red squirrels, along with other less common species such as porcupines, badgers and skunks. The presence of various bird species, including the red bunting and the honey buzzard, enriches the forest ecosystem.
Paths and routes
The Brattello Forest offers a vast network of well-marked paths that cover the entire area of the forest complex. These routes are intertwined with the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri (A.V.), the Grande Escursione Appenninica (G.E.A.) and the Trekking Lunigiana (T.L.), offering hikers a variety of options to explore the surrounding nature.
One of the most evocative itineraries leads from the Brattello Pass along a dirt road that winds gently through woods and gently sloping meadows. The suggestive Via degli Abati, an early medieval itinerary of around 125 km used by the monks of San Colombano di Bobbio to reach Rome, also stops along the Brattello.
Winter snowshoeing
During the winter, the forest transforms into an enchanted landscape, offering opportunities for exciting snowshoeing and scenic routes. For example, the route that leads from the summit of Monte Molinatico, starting from the Brattello Pass, offers breathtaking views of the Verde Valley and the Magra Valley.
Mountain biking
Mountain bikers can enjoy several routes through the forest, with accessible challenges and breathtaking scenery along the way. One of these routes, approximately 15 km long with a height difference of 698 m, offers an exciting experience for adventure enthusiasts.
Rural settlements
In the southern areas of the forest, you can discover ancient rural settlements and historical testimonies such as “Huts” and “Cascine”, offering an immersion in local history and culture.
Typical products and dishes
The area around the Brattello Forest is renowned for the Borgotaro PGI Mushroom, a local gastronomic excellence. Among the typical agricultural and gastronomic products of Lunigiana, there are also testaroli, one of the oldest pasta shapes in the region.
What to see near the Brattello Forest
In the surroundings of the Brattello Forest it is possible to visit the suggestive Green Lake, the suggestive Farfarà Waterfall and follow the path of the ancient Via degli Abati. In Pontremoli you can visit various monuments as well as the Museum of Stele Statues in the Piagnaro Castle and the Villa Dosi Delfini. Not far away are the Straits of Giaredo, an exceptional destination for nature and hiking lovers. Also in Lunigiana, between one castle and another, there are Aulla, Licciana Nardi and Fosdinovo worth visiting.
How to reach the forest
Car: The Brattello Forestry Complex can be reached from the A15 motorway, exiting at ‘Pontremoli’ and following the SP 39 towards Grondola – Borgo Val di Taro.
Public transport: The Pontremoli railway station, along the Sarzana – S. Stefano di Magra – Parma line, is the closest reference point to the forest. It is possible to take regional or interregional trains that allow the transport of bicycles and use a bus service from Pontremoli to the hamlet of Bratto, located about 2 km from the Brattello Pass.
