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NATURE
The Fenera Caves and the Natural Park
The caves as places of early human settlements and an environment rich in finds
Very interesting for its geological aspects, the Monte Fenera Park is ideal for excursions from autumn to spring, in addition to offering a climbing site particularly frequented in winter, when the temperatures make the higher walls less pleasant.
Activities
nature
Recommended period
all year round
Difficulty
easy
Location
Monte Fenera (899 meters)
The numerous caves have given back over time, and continue to give back, finds of great archaeological and paleontological interest: the presence of the Neanderthal man, who lived in these places starting from 300,000 years ago, the Merk Rhinoceros, and the Cave Bear, which became extinct 20,000 years ago, has been confirmed here. The finds of the Neanderthal Man or perhaps of an archaic form developed between Heidelbergensis man and Neanderthal, found in Fenera are the oldest remains found throughout Northern Italy.
The best-known caves are those of Ara, surrounded by a garden and perfect for families, and the Ciota Ciara, the Ciutarun cave, the shelter of the Belvedere and the Hole of the Bondaccia; many other cavities, more or less large and deep, are added to these. While the Garden of the Caves of Ara is open to the public, the Ciota Ciara and Ciotarun can only be visited with the accompaniment of Official Guides of the Protected Areas Management Body Valle Sesia, while for all the others an accompaniment by speleological guides is necessary.
The Ciota Ciara Cave is continuously undergoing archaeological excavations by the University of Ferrara, whose students conduct an excavation campaign every year finding accommodation at the GASB Refuge, which is open only on this occasion and reserved for scholars.
The Park has prepared a thematic path (12 explanatory boards along trail 769) to introduce visitors to the geology of Monte Fenera, along with the characteristics of its caves. Descriptive panels of each individual underground cavity have been placed at the entrances of the most important caves: development, speleological and biological aspects, with images of the interior and the species adapted to underground life that live in them or find temporary shelter there. This initiative, which connects with that of the Geological-Pedological Path of Cimalegna, the Glaciological Trail in the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, and the itinerary of the Supervolcano, enriches the offer of thematic paths with geological characteristics created in the territory of the Sesia Val Grande geopark.
For families, thematic trails have been created as part of the Habitat Project to which the Carlo Conti Museum and the Municipality of Borgosesia belong; in particular, the Elsa path will lead children through the natural environment, discovering its history and natural significance.
The Monte Rosa and its perpetual glaciers
The timeless charm of the invincible giant and its glaciers
Mushroom picking in Valsesia
The ideal environment for the growth of your favorite mushrooms
Safety in the mountains
Living and experiencing the mountains require caution, preparation, and experience. No activity, even the easiest one, should be taken for granted or improvised.
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Fondo europeo agricolo di sviluppo rurale.
L'Europa investe nelle zone rurali.
PSR 2014 - 2020, Misura 19 - op. 7.5.2 tipologia 2
Infrastrutture turistico-ricreative ed informazione nell’ambito del CCLD LEADER - Informazione
