The Padule di Fucecchio covers an area of one thousand eight hundred hectares between the province of Pistoia and that of Florence, between the Valdinievole and Montalbano, and is the largest Italian marshland area. During the Open Week 2019, from 21 to 28 there are many events in the Padule di Fucecchio designed for birdwatchers, passionate about nature and local and organic gastronomy. Discover all the initiatives planned during the 2019 Open Week. First, if you don’t already know it, here are some things you should know about the Fucecchio Marshes.

The Padule di Fucecchio, a paradise for birdwatchers

A naturalistic pearl and a paradise for birdwatchers, which hosts a wide variety of plants. From the royal fern to the large sedge, from the frog bite to the otricularia (a carnivorous plant). But also 200 species of birds, from herons to the crane and the black stork. The Padule di Fucecchio also plays a fundamental role in the migratory routes between the Tyrrhenian coast and the interior. In particular the herons in the reproductive period form the garzaia, which is the most important nesting colony in central-southern Italy. At Padule di Fucecchio birdwatchers can admire seven different species: the Night Heron, the Little Garzetta, the Squacco Heron, the Cattle Egret, the Red Heron, the Gray Heron and the Greater White Heron. the protected area can visit the Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve Visitor Center in Castelmartini, in the municipality of Larciano. The Center hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions on the wetland, organizes naturalistic and historical-environmental guided tours and educational workshops, aimed at both schools and adults and groups. Info: paduledifucecchio.eu

The appointments at the Padule di Fucecchio during the 2019 Open Week

April 21-22 e 25-28

The Castelmartini Visitor Center and the Le Morette wildlife observatory will be open for free, with staff and telescopes available to visitors. Sunday 21 April (Easter), Monday 22 April (Easter Monday), Thursday 25 April (Liberation) and Sunday 28 April 9-12 and 14.30-17.30; Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th 2.30pm-5.30pm. On April 25th, at 3.00 pm, at the Visitor Center there will be a tasting of “gaggìa” organic honey from the Padule di Fucecchio offered by Mauro Cristofori.

Monday April 22 at 9-12

Padule of Fucecchio Nature Reserve – Le Morette Area: walk on the nature Free visit organized with the Municipality of Larciano within the Valdinievole Open Week.

Monday April 22 at 9-12

Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve – Le Morette Area: birdwatching visit in the protected area with English-speaking guide. Organized within the Valdinievole Open Week: cost 10 euros per person.

Monday April 22 at 15-18

Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve – Righetti Area. Free visit organized with the Municipality of Monsummano Terme as part of the Valdinievole Open Week.

Monday April 22 at 15-18

Visit to the fortified fortress of Monsummano Alto, with the remains of the walls and access gates and the extraordinary opening of the ancient Church of San Nicolao, in a panoramic position over the Padule di Fucecchio and the castles of Valdinievole. Free visit organized with the Municipality of Monsummano Terme as part of the Valdinievole Open Week. After returning snack at La Foresteria.

Thursday April 25 at 9-12

Colle di Monsummano: botanical itinerary to discover the blooms of wild orchids and plants of the Mediterranean maquis. Free visit organized with the Municipality of Monsummano Terme as part of the Valdinievole Open Week. On the return visit of the Grotta Giusti swimming pool with its path up to the entrance of the cave with break.

Thursday April 25 at 15-18

Rural life in the Marshes: from the Medicean Farm of Stabbia to the Museum of Rural Life “Casa Dei” in Bagnolo. Free visit organized with the Municipality of Larciano as part of the Valdinievole Open Week (admission and tasting at the Museum: 4 euros).

Saturday April 27 at 15-18

Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve – Righetti Area. Free visit organized with the Municipality of Monsummano Terme as part of the Valdinievole Open Week.

Sunday April 28 at 9-12

Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve – Le Morette Area: birdwatching visit in the protected area with English-speaking guide. Organized within the Valdinievole Open Week: cost 10 euros per person.

Sunday April 28 at 15-18

Visit of the ancient castle and village of Montevettolini, historic defensive structure along the slopes of Montalbano, a natural barrier along which various dominations have clashed over the centuries. Free visit organized with the Municipality of Monsummano Terme as part of the Valdinievole Open Week. Stop at the Palazzo del Podestà for a break.