Gola del Furlo, the Furlo Gorge, is located between Acqualagna and Fossombrone. This hidden gem is a hidden gem in the middle of Le Marche. Just over half an hour's drive from our B&B, you are in the middle of Riserva Naturale Statale Gola del Furlo. A protected nature reserve with a breathtaking landscape of impressive limestone rocks. With height differences of more than 1,000 metres, it is part mountainous part hilly landscape.
The heart of this area is a large gorge where the Candigliano river flows, between Mount Paganuccio and Mount Pietralata.
We took an exceptionally fun day trip and combined a number of sights there.
To get there, we took the Autostrada A14 towards Bologna. At the Fano exit, we drove onto the right-hand exit after the toll gates, towards Roma. If you leave the road at Fossombrone Overest, you bypass the motorway tunnels. We stopped at Urbino, to take the Via Cattedrale to follow. At the town of San Lazzaro, it took a while to find the best place to park our car. We drove over the bridge, where there was plenty of space on the left by the houses. We each took a bottle of water and walked back to the bridge.
Le Marmitte dei Giganti
Soon we see the signs 'Le Marmitte dei Giganti'. So we are on the right track! After taking some great photos from the bridge of the area and the Metauro river below, we descend along a narrow path that starts on the Via Marmitte dei Giganti. We are glad we have sturdy shoes on, as it is quite steep and occasionally even requires scrambling. We arrive at the slightly greenish water. Is this because of the high lime content?
After a walk, or rather, scramble, and wet feet, due to an error in judgement on my part, I thought it was shallower, we sat there in a nice spot to enjoy the scenery and the sun. Those wet feet were more than worth it. Phenomenal! How much we love this kind of nature.
What we did not do but what we thought would be great fun is to see the river from a different side from the canoe landing. You can rent canoes there and enjoy sailing with the current into the valley. Who knows on another occasion!
Via Flaminia
We get back in the car and continue the Via Cattedrale which turns into the Via Flaminia. At the junction, we keep to Furlo. To our left flows the Candigliano.
You might find it interesting to know that the Romans tried to build this road 220 BC under the leadership of Consul Gaïus Flaminius. The road was to connect Rome to Rimini and had a dual function; to increase trade and to quickly supply troops who were far from the capital. When they ended up at a difficult obstacle called the Furlo Gorge, it had to and would be overcome. First they thought of building a large high road on terrace walls. Actually impossible structures. Of which remnants remain but are hard to see and are now also partly under water. In 75 AD, Emperor Augustus orders his slaves to chisel and hammer a tunnel into the hard rock. Coming from Rome, you can see the original plaques we took a photo of.
Terrazza del Furlo
With high cliffs on either side of the road, we drive further and further into this spectacular nature reserve. Arriving in the village of Furlo, we take the road sharply right up to the Strada Monte Furlo. The road to Terrazza del Furlo runs behind the Museo Del Territorio. The museum is free and open daily (but remember, closed during lunchtime). So that was the reason we went back later after going to the Terrazza del Furlo viewpoint.
The uphill road is 5 kilometres long and poorly maintained. Halfway up, the asphalt road turns into a dirt track. The potholes and holes we easily pass don't stop us and determinedly we continue up Monte Pietralate. The view between the pines and tall cypress trees becomes more and more impressive.
Arriving at the Rifugio, we walk the last stretch to the viewpoint. We reach La Terrazza del Furlo after about 10 minutes via a narrow but flat footpath.
Arriving at the plateau, we are treated to breathtaking views that make your mouth drop open. Awesome! Many photos are taken. But impossible to capture this spectacle with a mobile phone as it unfolds here in front of us in the field of vision!
We can't get enough of it. On this bright sunny day, the river that has carved its path far below us in the depths has been glistening for millions of years.
After taking in the overwhelming view, we drive back down the same road to Furlo.
Now, first, take a look at the Museo Del Territorio.
You walk through different rooms there, from one to another. Furlo fossils and Furlo fauna, as well as human structures, are well mapped. We see animals found in the area in stuffed form. Like the wolf and the fox. But also the great golden eagle. The bird of prey builds its nests in the rock walls opposite the high viewpoint. Have you spotted it there? We haven't, unfortunately. You might have better luck for that in spring.
After all this information, it is high time to find a terrace. This could have been at Antico Furlo, but we'll keep it simpler for now. By the way, this neighbouring Ristorante has delicious pasta dishes with fresh truffle on the menu, obviously found in this area. And has gained much notoriety in the 2the world war. Because Mussolini came there a lot as a house friend of the then owner.
We continue driving along the old Via Flaminia. To take our last stop after 1.5 km, before returning to our B&B. At the kiosk Locanda Dell' Abbazia we settle down on the terrace. To enjoy a stuffed Crescia at a picnic table. This looks a lot like a piandina, typical of this region.
Church of San Vincenzo
Right next to the kiosk is an austere little church. It appears to belong to a monastery of San Vincenzo from the 8ste century! It is surprisingly beautiful for its simplicity. We walk inside, of course. Upstairs, there are even frescoes to admire.
After a day full of impressions, we return to our B&B. Fortunately, this can be done very quickly from here. The motorway is close by.
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