Colfiorito Marsh: between herons and lentil plantations

The Colfiorito Marsh , in the Umbria-Marche Apennines, is a large protected natural area with an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. A paradise for birdwatchers, it's an ideal gentle mobility route, allowing you to enjoy a unique landscape of rolling countryside and the swarms of birdsong and flight. The area, in the municipality of Foligno, offers four easy, circular trails. The ideal route is on horseback, along the northeast shore of the marsh, then gently ascending toward Monte Orve, in search of herons and butterflies, in an area where 706 species have been recorded. From here, continue to the Piano di Annifo, where lentil plants hide among the red poppies, the white chamomiles and daisies, and the blue cornflowers.

Get inspired

The horseback ride through the Colfiorito Marsh and then toward Mount Orve requires binoculars in hand. The entire area is a paradise for birdwatchers: in addition to the spectacle of herons and butterflies, many migratory birds pass through in spring. Among these are the beautiful cranes, arriving from Africa, among the first to appear on the marsh's waters in search of food and rest. But binoculars, as you ride along at a slow, steady pace, also help you admire, in detail, the extraordinary views of the Marsh from Mount Orve. The Colfiorito Marsh covers a total area of ​​approximately one hundred hectares and is defined in the European Natura 2000 network, which includes sites of community interest and special protection areas for preserving natural habitats, as "one of the finest examples of a wetland in all of central Italy, and one of the very few in a good state of conservation, of the karst-tectonic basins of the Apennines." Among white water lilies, marsh reeds, and the varied songs of birds, the Colfiorito Marsh is a magical place year-round, beneath a blanket of snow or in the glistening grip of ice in winter, surrounded by meadows, pastures, and fields in summer. The colors become shimmering as you enter the Piano di Annifo area, where the meadows are partially covered with water during the rainy seasons, with moist soils that favor the growth of lentils and red potatoes. In this area, which was once a large lake, the flora is incredibly diverse, and among the most prized species is the Butomos umbellatus, rare throughout Italy.

Mount Orve

The father of Colfiorito Park is botanist Franco Pedrotti, professor emeritus at the University of Camerino. Already in the late 1960s, during discussions about reclaiming the Colfiorito Marsh, Pedrotti demonstrated that this place, whose complexity can be seen from the summit of Mount Orve, is crucial for its biodiversity. But it also has a characteristic that makes it unique in Italy and the world: lowland marshes exist everywhere, but none in the mountains, as is the case with Colfiorito. And Mount Orve was the territory where the Plestini civilization, the first inhabitants of these lands, developed. 

Karst

Water is never lacking in the Colfiorito Marsh. Continuous replenishment comes from rainfall, but also from underground springs, and so this is the only remnant of the lake basins that once covered the Plestini Plateau. The constant infiltration of water creates karst phenomena, a series of underground cavities that represent the true network of the Colfiorito Marsh.

Plan of Annifo 

The small village of Annifo, with its distinctive horseshoe shape, is a hamlet within the municipality of Foligno, with approximately 300 inhabitants living on the plateau. Much of the village was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of September 1997, fortunately without any casualties, but the extraordinary tenacity of the Umbrian people ensured that the houses were rebuilt in an area not far from the one hit by the earthquake. 

Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Colfiorito

Located on a hill overlooking the Piana, it is a place of worship dating back to the Middle Ages. The church is simple but evocative, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Where to sleep

There are various accommodations, from hotels to farmhouses, for sleeping in the Park area.

We would like to point out:

• Villa Fiorita Wellness Hotel

Located in Colfiorito, it offers comfortable rooms and a full-service spa. Its proximity to the marshland makes it ideal for birdwatchers. 

• Relais Forti

Located in the center of Colfiorito, it offers rooms with city views, a restaurant, shared lounge, bar, garden, and terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available. 

• Hotel Resort Le Colombare

Located a short distance from Colfiorito, it offers modern rooms, a wellness center, and a swimming pool. It's ideal for exploring the park and its attractions. 

• Borgo La Torre 

Located in Casenove, this farmhouse offers accommodations in a renovated ancient hamlet, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. A short distance from the Palude (water reservoir).

Where to eat

The local cuisine is rich in variety and decidedly appetizing. We'll point out three places where you can be sure of eating well, using traditional ingredients, and surrounded by a very welcoming atmosphere. 

• The Little Shop in Campo 64
• Inn at the Fontanile
• Hotel Plestina

How to Get There

To reach the Colfiorito Marsh area, you can follow these steps:

• By car (from Foligno or Perugia)

If you're coming from Foligno , you can follow the SS77 north towards Colfiorito. Once you reach the town, continue towards the Palude area, which is easy to find.

If you're coming from Perugia, take the SS75 and follow the signs for Foligno. Then, from Foligno, take the SS77 north. Once you reach the village of Colfiorito, follow the signs for the Palude di Colfiorito Nature Reserve.

The marsh area is easily accessible on foot, with several paths and nature trails.

• By train and bus

You can reach Foligno by train and then take a bus to Colfiorito. Then continue on foot to reach the marsh.

Information

All useful information about the Colfiorito Marsh, the routes to take, and the places to see, can be obtained by writing to:

[email protected]

[email protected]

You can find essential information on this website: https://www.regione.umbria.it/parco-regionale-di-colfiorito

The photos are by Federico Calvani

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