The Nature

The Montagna Pistoiese region is a very interesting environmental asset: a living treasure, ever changing, with an exciting multi-faceted appeal.
This nature trail will lead you to discover the variety and beauty of the plant and animal world, to understand the extraordinary diversity that can be found in our Apennines.
It is a route to discover the botanical and forestry jewels of the Montagna Pistoiese region, with findings that testify to the natural history and human presence in the area.

Abetone Botanical Forest Garden

Alta Valle del Sestaione

This wonderful mountain garden hosts botanical and forestry species typical of the Alto Appennino Pistoiese region: coloured mountain flowers, carnivore and medicinal plants, majestic trees, to be admired accompanied by the gentle murmuring of the Sestaione stream.
Due to the low temperatures and specific micro-climate of the area, this Botanical Garden also includes several Alpine species which have established, in this Apennine section, their southernmost growing limit; an example of this is the red fir (Picea abies), a relic of the last glaciation, which continues to reproduce spontaneously in the nearby Riserva di Campolino.

Alongside real-life collections you have the Teaching Hub in Fontana Vaccaia, where you can gain insight into the plant heritage of the Montagna Pistoiese area; inside it, there are traditional forestry tools and a large herbarium; temporary exhibitions and training courses are organised here.

The OBFA is managed by the Unione Comuni Appennino Pistoiese and by the Associazione Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese, a member of SIMOP.

OPENING HOURS 2023
From 21st June to 10th September: from Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 3.00-6.00 p.m.
Guided visits at: 9.30, 10.30, 11.30 a.m.; 3.00, 4.00 and 5.00 p.m.

For visits during extraordinary opening hours, please call the number +39 0573 638025

MUNAP – Natural history and Archaeological Museum of the Pistoia Apennine Area

GAVINANA – Via Orange

Refurbished in 2018, this museum leads you to discover natural history and human presence in the Pistoia Apennine region: animals, rocks, minerals, and fossils, for a fascinating journey towards the discovery of our territory.
A king of the forest will be there to welcome you; a splendid specimen of Apennine grey wolf (Canis lupus italicus), who used to live in our Montagna Pistoiese area.
Then there is an exciting surprise at the end of your visit: an imposing cave bear skeleton, a unique specimen, dating to 20,000 years ago.

MUNAP is managed by the Gruppo Naturalistico Appennino Pistoiese, a member of SIMOP.

OPENING HOURS 2023
From 2nd June to 1st October: from Friday to Sunday and 15/08, 3.30-6.30 p.m.

For visits during extraordinary opening hours, please call the number +39 0573 638025