One of the most readily identifiable and iconic peaks in all of Tuscany has to be the incredible Monte Forato and her two summits, which are connected by a large, open, naturally-occurring arch. This picturesque peak and its incredible and suggestive characteristic arch is located along an excellent ring route in the Garfagnana mountains that makes for an ideal place to go hiking if you have found a vacation rental in Lucca and are looking for somewhere to go take in pretty views of Tuscany, to get some fresh air, to blow out the cobwebs, and to stretch your legs.
The trail along Monte Forato begins at the pretty little Tuscan mountain town of Fornovolasco, which is surrounded by lush greenery, is famous for the river that splits it into two parts, and is dominated by the arch at the top of the peak above. Follow the signs to Grotta del Vento from town, head over the bridge over the Turrite River, up towards the Foce di Petrociana pass, and then take the number six path for a kilometre to a small cave called the Tana che Urla (Screaming Den) or Vallisneri Cave. If you put your ear to the cave’s mouth you can hear an odd noise that sounds like a man shouting, who is, according to local legend, a miner that fell in love with a fairy and followed her deep into the cave, never to be seen again.
The trail along Monte Forato begins at the pretty little Tuscan mountain town of Fornovolasco, which is surrounded by lush greenery, is famous for the river that splits it into two parts, and is dominated by the arch at the top of the peak above. Follow the signs to Grotta del Vento from town, head over the bridge over the Turrite River, up towards the Foce di Petrociana pass, and then take the number six path for a kilometre to a small cave called the Tana che Urla (Screaming Den) or Vallisneri Cave. If you put your ear to the cave’s mouth you can hear an odd noise that sounds like a man shouting, who is, according to local legend, a miner that fell in love with a fairy and followed her deep into the cave, never to be seen again.
After the cave, you will meet a fork in the road and will then have two different options to choose from, you can continue on along path six or swap over to path twelve. Both will get you to the summit but path twelve is an option that is better suited to more experienced hikers. If you are less experienced or less up for a more strenuous day out then you should follow path six up to the summit and take path twelve back down.
After a steep climb (or even steeper climb, should you choose to take the more difficult route), you will reach the iconic great stone arch of Monte Forato. Formed by erosion of wind and water through the limestone rock of this peak, the arch of Monte Forato is 25m high and measures 32m in span, with a thickness of about 8m where the arch is formed, making it one of the largest natural arches in Italy. While we know, today, how the arch was formed scientifically, old legends in the area state that it was actually made when San Pellegrino chased away demons and goblins that, accordingly, escaped into the sky towards the sea and created a big hole in the mountain as they fled from the angered saint.
If you time your visit correctly and view the arch from the right spots, you can create a double sunset or sunrise effect, when the sun disappears behind the arch before shortly reappearing through the hole below it (or vice versa for the sunrise). However, no matter when you visit, you should make sure to take some time to photograph and admire the arch, which only adds to the impressive beauty of the lovely Tuscan panorama and views afforded from the summit.
Relatively challenging but very doable and well-marked and easily accessible, this hike is a great option for those looking for a trail to follow while holidaying in Tuscany. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and you are fond of hiking then it really is a must! Just be prepared for a steep climb, a careful descent, and to capture some beautiful views over the lush green pasture lands of this part of Tuscany.
After a steep climb (or even steeper climb, should you choose to take the more difficult route), you will reach the iconic great stone arch of Monte Forato. Formed by erosion of wind and water through the limestone rock of this peak, the arch of Monte Forato is 25m high and measures 32m in span, with a thickness of about 8m where the arch is formed, making it one of the largest natural arches in Italy. While we know, today, how the arch was formed scientifically, old legends in the area state that it was actually made when San Pellegrino chased away demons and goblins that, accordingly, escaped into the sky towards the sea and created a big hole in the mountain as they fled from the angered saint.
If you time your visit correctly and view the arch from the right spots, you can create a double sunset or sunrise effect, when the sun disappears behind the arch before shortly reappearing through the hole below it (or vice versa for the sunrise). However, no matter when you visit, you should make sure to take some time to photograph and admire the arch, which only adds to the impressive beauty of the lovely Tuscan panorama and views afforded from the summit.
Relatively challenging but very doable and well-marked and easily accessible, this hike is a great option for those looking for a trail to follow while holidaying in Tuscany. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and you are fond of hiking then it really is a must! Just be prepared for a steep climb, a careful descent, and to capture some beautiful views over the lush green pasture lands of this part of Tuscany.
