Mount Peglia, a UNESCO MAB Reserve
Mount Peglia is located about a half-hour drive from Orvieto. It is a vast promontory (spanning over 40,000 hectares) that acts as a watershed between the territories of Orvieto and Todi, situated in the provinces of Terni and Perugia, respectively. In 2018, it was designated a UNESCO MAB (Man and the Biosphere) Reserve, recognizing the enduring and balanced relationship between human activity and the conservation of natural values and habitats. Indeed, a distinctive feature of this area is the presence of numerous small, inhabited villages that have preserved their original characteristics over time. Human activity has always respected nature, ensuring that Mount Peglia remains a haven for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Its vast territory also offers accessible areas and trails; the Sette Frati Park, for instance, is a well-equipped site featuring refreshments, facilities, and picnic areas, along with numerous marked trails set amidst the greenery. There are also many streams and watercourses, including the Fersinone; near the village of San Vito Castello, it forms striking natural pools known as the “Borgone del Diavolo” (Devil’s Pool)—genuine natural swimming holes with cool, clear water. The waters flowing through the area are cool and clear, supporting local wildlife such as trout, salamanders, and freshwater crayfish. The Mount Peglia area is also of significant historical and natural interest; the substantial presence of “bone breccia” bears witness to the fact that the territory was inhabited by humans and animals as far back as ancient times. Another notable feature is the Volcanological Park and trail in the municipality of San Venanzo
The Selva di Meana
Another protected area of great natural value is the Selva di Meana. Located north of Orvieto, it can be reached by car in about thirty minutes by heading towards Allerona, one of the most beautiful towns in the Orvieto area. This wooded area marks the border with the Lazio region and Mount Rufeno. Home to a rich variety of local flora and fauna, the area’s main point of interest—and the most accessible part for visitors—is the Villalba Park (Allerona), which features marked trails, a picnic area, and refreshment facilities. A short distance from the park lies Villa Cahen, a magnificent late-19th-century villa built by the banker E. Cahen. The villa is surrounded by various types of gardens and is open to visitors by appointment. Several marked and signposted trails run through the Selva di Meana, including the Villalba Loop (3 hours, easy-to-moderate difficulty) and the Selva di Meana trail (approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, moderate difficulty).
The Tiber River Park
This park spans the territory between Orvieto and Todi, encompassing a protected green area defined by the winding course of the Tiber River and the artificial basin of Lake Corbara. Before reaching the dam, the river—along whose banks great civilizations such as the Etruscans and Umbrians once flourished—carves out a vast canyon with sheer walls, creating the striking Forello Gorges (Gole del Forello). In places, the landscape is wild and rugged, characterized by rocky outcrops and dense vegetation. It is in this section of the park that numerous natural cavities, such as caves and sinkholes, are found. The most significant one, which is open to visitors (by reservation), is the Grotta di Pozzi della Piana. The river park is notable for its abundant fish populations and large numbers of waterfowl; the waters of the Tiber that feed Lake Corbara are particularly rich in fish. Villages within the park area worth noting include Civitella del Lago and Titignano.
