Il Parco del Nera-Velino offre uno scenario unico fatto di antichi borghi medievali e fortificazioni arroccate sulle pareti della montagna, che fanno da cornice all’impetuoso corso del fiume Nera. Sono certamente da non perdere le visite ai centri di Ferentillo, Arrone e Montefranco, testimoni di una perfetta armonia tra ambiente naturale e presenza dell’uomo. Da non perdere sono la discesa in gommone lungo il fiume Nera, le arrampicate sulle pareti di Precetto e Gabbio, in prossimità di Ferentillo, e la visita del lago di Piediluco, meta imperdibile per appassionati canoisti.
Rich in water and history, the Nera River runs along its narrow river bed, protected by thick vegetation of woods and Mediterranean bush, in a one-of-a-kind medieval setting dotted by medieval villages, castle fortifications and countryside churches. Its impetuous beauty runs 20km through the park where, through the enchanting towns of Ferentillo, Arrone an Montefranco, it meets up with the Velino River which, with a spectacular jump of 165 metres, the Marmore waterfalls begin near the area of Terni. The cultural and landscape value of this park can be easily reached by means of a network of paths that follow through ancient muleteers and roads used in the past for sheep farming, commerce and craft activity, and witnesses to the industrious and respectful human presence in this area.
With its irregular shape, Piediluco Lake is characterized by two main arms, this alluvional origin lake represents the perfect synthesis of various landscapes: “a lacustrine bosom that wind between emerald green forests like Scandinavian fjords, Terminillo mountain cliffs in the background, alpine charm, and all in the sunlight of luxurious Mediterranean nature”. This is how Grand Tour travelers have described this lake and how it appears to modern-day travelers in search of cool and relaxation along its rivers. The most fun way to visit and get to know the history of this “Alpine Lake” is to enjoy a mini-cruise aboard a small boat that in the summer run along the waters, complete with guides aboard to illustrate its attractions and the surrounding environment complete with echoes!
Each year for the summer solstice is celebrated in Piediluco the Festival of Water, complete with rituals, purification ceremonies and shows on the lake.
