Millennial civilizations they crossed the Italic soil leaving traces of their passage. However, there are still places where man does not seem to have scratched the vegetation in the least. One of these is given by the suggestive scenery of the Gorges of the Infernaccio. Located near the town of montefortino in the province of Fermo, Gorges of the Infernaccio are set among the beech trees of the forest dominating the National park of the Sibillini Mountains. Their formation is due to the erosion caused over the centuries by the River Tenna. It flows undisturbed between the Mount Priora and Mount Sybil.
Le Gorges of the Infernaccio offer the hiker a breathtaking landscape. Here the dense vegetation clinging to the slopes of the surrounding mountains alternates with singular ones Water games. In addition to scenic beauty, another detail will delight the summer tourist, namely the refreshment! Just what it takes in such a hot summer!
Gole dell 'Infernaccio: a walk in the rugged nature
Le Gorges of the Infernaccio are a favorite destination for fans of trekking. In fact, every year many tourists come from Marche and not only. All ready to discover this wonder of nature! The classic route is about one long ten kilometers. Despite some inaccessible stretches, it is easily passable by experienced and non-expert walkers, as well as by children. The access point to the route is located in the locality Rubbiano, not far from montefortino. From here a dirt road will lead you towards the valley of Gorges of the Infernaccio. As you walk towards your destination, the vegetation will become more and more dense. Step by step you will hear the roar of the louder and louder River Tenna, but the trees will cover his view, making it even more impressive.
As you approach the valley floor, you will be caught by an aquatic surprise: the Pisciatelle. They are gods small waterfalls that from the left side of the mountain drop down towards the gorges. They are reminiscent of a shower jet due to their low intensity. When you finally reach the entrance to the gorges, you will find a path. Following it you will climb between rocks and trees up to a pretty wooden bridge. You will cross the stream and a forest will reveal itself in front of your eyes. Hidden among the vegetation you will find the famous hidden waterfall. It's up to you to discover it! Between the shadows and the coolness you will continue your journey towards a crossroads. On the left you will continue towards the source of the river Tenna, while on the right towards the Hermitage of San Leonardo.
An intruder in unspoiled nature: the Hermitage of San Leonardo
In the area of Gorges of the Infernaccio, the only trace left by man is the Hermitage of San Leonardo. Up there, on one of the highest points of the mountain, stood a ancient monastery. The Hermitage leaves us clues to one ancient history. In epoch medieval, the way of Golubro, a road that ran through the whole Apennines, was the only one that connected the city of Norcia a Roma. As pilgrimages to the capital were frequent, the passage was assiduously frequented. The only problem was the Gorges of the Infernaccio.
Pilgrims to cross the Apennines climbed up toEremo. They then descended on the other side of the mountain and continued their journey. Thus i Camaldolese monks they decided to build their own monastery here. It was not just a place of worship, but they offered lodging and refreshments to travelers heading to Roma. Unfortunately the 2016 earthquake compromised the structure, which had come back to life thanks to the restoration work promoted by father Pietro Lavini.
