Three brown horses walk on a meadow near a dirt road, with green hills in the background
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Prati di Stroncone

A few kilometers from the medieval village of Stroncone and the city of Terni lies a vast, lush plateau at an altitude of about 1,000 meters.

The Prati di Stroncone are more than just a place to visit; they are a space to experience, listen to, and respect. A plateau that tells ancient stories, welcomes hikers and families, and offers spectacular views and moments of deep connection with nature. Whether arriving on foot, by bike, or with a backpack, the impression is always the same: entering a suspended world where time slows down and beauty reveals itself in every detail.

Nature and Biodiversity: An Ecosystem to Explore

The Prati di Stroncone represent a true treasure trove of biodiversity. A mosaic of dense forests, sunlit clearings, and areas with small ponds and temporary pools supports a variety of plant and animal species.

Mixed forests of beech, oak, chestnut, and maple are underlain by ferns, mushrooms, and small shrubs. In the spring clearings, one can observe numerous species of wild orchids, wild lilies, and wild strawberries, while in summer, the grassy expanses bloom with yellow and lilac flowers.

The fauna is equally rich: foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, and roe deer are common, but it's not rare to spot birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels, and falcons. Wetlands, particularly small ponds, provide an ideal habitat for amphibians like the Apennine frog, the crested newt, and the spectacled salamander.

Panorama of a wooded hill with a blue sky and a shaded path at sunset.

View of the Stroncone Meadows

Three brown horses walking on grass near a dirt road, with green hills in the background.

Horses walking on grass near a dirt road, with green hills in the background.

Pond surrounded by trees and grassy hills under a clear sky in the late afternoon

Small pond at the Piani di Stroncone

Three brown horses walking on grass near a dirt road, with green hills in the background.

Horses walking on grass near a dirt road, with green hills in the background.

Panorama of a tree-covered hill with a clear sky at sunset, seen from the Prati di Stroncone

Hill at the Prati di Stroncone

History and Culture: The Way of St. Francis

From a historical and cultural perspective, these meadows have long been crossed by transhumance and pilgrimage routes. Among these stands the Way of St. Francis, a route connecting Assisi to Greccio, following the saint's footsteps.

A testament to this spiritual calling is the small church of Santa Maria dei Prati, a simple and quiet place of worship, once an important reference point for pilgrims heading to the Franciscan sanctuaries in the Rieti valley and the convent of Greccio. Still today it is a destination for walkers and devotees.

Near the church, especially during the summer period, services such as a children's playground, cafés, and restaurants are available.

Outdoor activities: A Paradise for Hikers and Sports Enthusiasts

Beyond its scenic beauty and natural value, the Prati di Stroncone are a beloved destination for outdoor activities. Trekking, hiking, and horseback riding are just some of the activities one can engage in along the numerous trails in the area.

Prati di Stroncone are also ideal for mountain bike enthusiasts, who can enjoy a ride through forests, grassy paths, and ancient dirt roads. The area is also crossed by the Nera Greenway, a cycling route connecting various natural areas of Umbria, making it even easier to explore the plateau by bike.

After the wonders of autumn, when the woods are painted in warm hues and the foliage creates a magical show, the meadows prepare for winter: when snowfall allows, the trails become perfect tracks for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

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