National Park of the Casentino Forests – Tuscany: sacred woods, hidden hermitages and green silences on the eastern Apennines. The National Park of the Casentino Forests extends between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, in the heart of the Apennines, and preserves one of the oldest and most evocative forest heritages in Europe. On the Tuscan side, between Casentino and Monte Falterona, there are centuries-old beech forests, abbeys, waterways and panoramic ridges that offer deep and regenerating experiences in contact with the most intimate nature. 🌲 Old-growth forests and unspoiled nature: The park is famous for its thousand-year-old forests of beech and silver fir, many of which are included in the UNESCO network of natural heritage. In these places the ecosystem lives undisturbed, with wolves, deer, roe deer, golden eagles and numerous species of protected flora. 👉 Tip: Walk in the Sasso Fratino Integral Reserve accompanied by a guide: it is one of the oldest forests in Europe, accessible only on authorized excursions. ⛪ Places of the spirit and millenary history: The park is home to important religious places surrounded by nature, such as the Sanctuary of La Verna, linked to St. Francis, and the. Here the atmosphere is collected and suspended, ideal for those seeking retreat, silence and meditation in the woods. 👉 Tip: Visit La Verna at sunset and listen to the silence of the forest that surrounds the sanctuary: a unique experience between spirituality and landscape. 🥾 Hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic ridges: The hiking network is vast and well-maintained, with itineraries for every level: from walks in the woods of Casentino to longer routes along the Great Apennine Excursion (GEA). Waterfalls, streams and mountain lakes accompany every step. 👉 Tip: Follow the path towards Monte Falterona: from the summit a majestic view of the Casentino and the source of the Arno opens up. 🍂 Nature in every season: The park is fascinating all year round: spring blooms, summer coolness, autumn foliage and snowy landscapes in winter make it an ideal destination for slow and conscious tourism. The seasons transform the forest, but always preserve its magic. 👉 Tip: In autumn, walk the paths between Badia Prataglia and Camaldoli to experience the most intense colors of the park. 🛏️ Where to stay: On the Tuscan side you can find refuges surrounded by greenery, farmhouses, B&Bs in mountain villages and religious structures that host wayfarers. Places such as Chiusi della Verna, Poppi, Pratovecchio and Badia Prataglia are excellent starting points. 👉 Tip: Stay in a monastery or hermitage for an experience in contact with the spirituality of the place and the quiet of the forest. The Casentino Forests are an invitation to listen to nature in its purest state: among ancient trees, solitary hermitages and landscapes that speak to the heart.