L'Acquacheta It is a stream in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, a tributary of the River Montone, famous both for its spectacular waterfall and for its connection with Dante’s literature. Situated between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, this stream is one of the natural wonders of theNorthern Apennines.
Description of the watercourse
Acquacheta was founded on theTuscan Apennines, near the town of San Godenzo (Province of Florence). Just before reaching San Benedetto in Alpe, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, the stream offers a spectacular sight: it plunges down from a cliff face of sandstone with a jump of over 70 metres, splitting into a myriad of small, noisy rivulets.
This waterfall, one of the highest in the northern Apennines, is situated within the National Park of the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna, where it is recognised as one of the most important natural features. The waterfall can be reached via a footpath that starts from the hamlet of San Benedetto in Alpe and takes about a two-hour walk.
The Acquacheta Waterfall
The waterfall, situated in the municipality of San Godenzo and high 90 metres, is a major attraction tourist e nature-based. The area is protected as Special Area of Conservation (SAC) e Special Protection Area (SPA), divided between the two sites of Community importance:
- Acquacheta (IT4080002) in Emilia-Romagna.
- Muraglione – Acqua Cheta (IT5140005) in Tuscany.
Management is entrusted to the Casentinesi Forests National Park, which promotes environmental protection and the sustainable development of the local area.
A place of literary inspiration
Acquacheta owes part of its fame to Dante Alighieri, who quoted her in the Divine Comedy (Inferno, Canto XVI, lines 94–105). The poet compares the roar of the waterfall to the River Phlegethon, emphasising the intensity of the sound and the wild beauty of the place:
‘Just as that river has its own course
first from Monte Viso towards the east,
from the left-hand side of the Apennines,which is called Acquacheta up there, ahead
who slides down into the lower bunk,
and in Forlì, the post with that title is vacant,it rumbles up there St Benedict
de l’Alpe to fall on a downhill stretch
where he was bound to be sheltered;And so, down a steep slope,
we found that coloured water echoing,
‘so that in a short while his ear would be hurt.’
This quote has placed Acquacheta amongst the so-called “literary parks”, which showcase the places associated with Dante’s life and work.
A destination for nature lovers
As well as its literary value, the Acquacheta waterfall is prized for its natural uniqueness. Set in surroundings of rare beauty, the area offers trails for walkers of all abilities and the chance to discover the flora and fauna typical of the Apennines.
Acquacheta is the ideal place for anyone looking to enjoy an experience amongst history, culture and nature, immersing oneself in the magic of the Tuscan-Romagnolo landscape and following in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri.
