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Geoheritage Assessment and Potential Geotouristic Enhancement in Mountain Environments: a Test-Site in the Northern Apennines (Italy)

Geoheritage Assessment and Potential Geotouristic Enhancement in Mountain Environments: a... This work proposes an integrated methodology to inventory and quantitatively assess the geosites located in a mountain context of northern Apennines. The geological and geomorphological heritage and the historical, cultural, and religious heritage produce a complex cultural landscape. Such a context is expressed sometimes through monumental examples and other times through hidden or invisible points of interest. In particular, the test area is located between the Emilia-Romagna and Toscana regions (high valley of Tiber, Senatello and Marecchia rivers), including part of three protected areas. The choice of these test sites has been addressed also considering that meaningful historical sites and cultural testimonies are widely present, in addition to the geological and geomorphological features. Amongst these sites, we have considered the Mt. Faggiola Castle ruins, where Dante was possibly hosted when exiled from Florence, the St. Francesco route from Rimini to La Verna, the Historical Park of the Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda and the background of one of the most iconic Leonardo da Vinci’s portraits, la Gioconda. Keywords Geosite · Geodiversity · Geomorphology · Geoheritage assessment · Georoutes · Geotourism Introduction activities through Geotourism and empowering local peo- ple and ethnic groups are keys to what must be sustainable Starting from the establishment of the first European geop- development in geological protected areas (Bouzekraoui arks in 2000, the geological culture has been gradually et al. 2018; Brandolini et al. 2007, 2011; Comănescu et al. spreading throughout the world, proposing a model of sus- 2017; Lazzari 2013). tainable development that integrates geological knowledge The co-existing of geologically interesting and impressive with local culture. In fact, one of the main goals of UNE- landscapes, together with historical and cultural values, can SCO Global Geoparks is to provide integrated sustainable surely improve the experience of tourists, thus increasing development for the direct benefit of its local population. the geotouristic potential of sites and their effectiveness in Promotion and transmission of traditional knowledge, valori- engaging the public (Brandolini et al. 2011; Guerra and Laz- sation of local products, development of respectful outdoor zari 2021). Based on these premises, we have developed the pre- sent work, where we present the inventory and quantitative This article is part of the Topical Collection on The Oxford assessment of seven geosites located in the higher sectors Geoheritage Virtual Conference: Reshaping discourse in a time of of the Senatello, Tiber and Marecchia river valleys, the last social distancing also known as Valmarecchia, between Emilia-Romagna and Toscana regions (Fig. 1), aimed to enhance the geotouristic * Veronica Guerra v.guerra1@campus.uniurb.it potential of this sector of northern Apennines and propose a different reading and interpretation of the territorial val- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University ues, to increase the local tourist attraction by enhancing the of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, via Ca’ le Suore 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, geotourism proposal. Italy 2 In this area, geological and geomorphological heritage, CNR ISPC, C/da S. Loja Zona Industriale, together with the historical, cultural and religious heritage, 85050 Tito Scalo (PZ), Italy Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 97 Page 2 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 1 Geographic location of the study area produces a complex cultural landscape sometimes expressed region), close to Toscana and Marche region boundaries, through monumental and massive examples, and other times in a scarcely populated territory of the Northern Apennines through hidden or invisible points of interest, which have the (Fig. 2). Balze toponym probably derives from balzo, which potential to bring visitors into a journey through time. The means jump and represents the cliffs towering over the vil- landscape is impressive, and together with the important lage (Fig. 3). historical and cultural values, it will indeed represent a key It is located in the higher portion of the Marecchia river aspect of the visitors’ experience. valley, close to its springs. This area of the village and its The study area includes three protected sites (SIC- surroundings embody the unique geological context we ZSC IT4080015 Castel di Colorìo, Alto Tevere; SIC-ZSC find in Valmarecchia, and the fact that the same valley has IT4080008 Balze di Verghereto, Monte Fumaiolo, Ripa been serving as a communication route since before roman della Moia; SIC-ZSC IT5180006 Alta Valle del Tevere) and times has enriched it with numerous historical and cultural many geosites have been established in the area by Emilia- aspects. That happened because of favourable conditions Romagna region (Fig. 2). given by the Via Maggio mountain pass, close to the river springs, one of the lowest passes of this Apennine area. It was, in fact, easier to cross and remained accessible in the Cultural Values of Geosites winter months. Travellers from northern Italy (and Europe) could use the Ariminensis road that followed the Marecchia Monumental landforms could be key sites to enhance geo- river from Rimini, on the Adriatic coast, to Arezzo (Tos- heritage values through natural geoheritage, focusing on cana) through the Via Maggio pass, which leads to central geotourism activities and proposals. From a cultural herit- and southern Italy. In Balze di Verghereto, there is a high age point of view, the monumental landforms could indeed potential for geotouristic fruition but low attention on the serve as a canvas to express geological complexity at dif- geological values of the site. In fact, the village is located ferent scales, thus resulting in engaging the viewer not only inside the environmentally protected zone of Mt. Fumaiolo from a notional point of view but also involving the sense of (SIC-ZPS IT4080008). wonder that those landforms induce, such as the case of the Balze village is also crossed by the San Francesco’s route massive cliffs that lean out over Balze village, or the vertical that goes from Rimini to la Verna and has been travelled layers outcropping in between Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. not only by the Saint but also by most of the pilgrims that Faggiola Nuova. would go to la Verna sanctuary. In the Middle Ages, the Balze di Verghereto village is located at the foot of Mt. land featured many castles and fortresses. Uguccione della Fumaiolo, in Forlì-Cesena province (Emilia-Romagna Faggiola was a leader and soldier of fortune (Barbero 2013) 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 3 of 20 97 Fig. 2 Study area and protected zones in the area, and some authors have found in him the Veltro Not far from Balze village, another very important geosite that the poet Dante Alighieri was referring to in the Divina is Vene del Tevere (= Tiber springs), the most abundant area Commedia (Troya 1826, 1856; Balbo 1857). It is also pos- of spring waters marked since the 1930s by a local travertine sible that Dante was hosted in his castles when exiled from column overlooked by a golden eagle. Tiber and Marecchia Florence (Dominici 1959). springs geosites are both deeply linked to the ancient urban set- At the time of Uguccione della Faggiola, there is also a tlements of Rome and Rimini. According to an ancient Roman legend associated with the Senatello springs: it is told that the legend, the name Tiber derives from “Thybris” in memory of running tears of a warrior, who received the pardon of God on Tiberino Silvio, Aeneas’ descendant (Moretti 2014), who died a big rock in the proximity of the springs at the times of Uguc- drowned in its waters. The Tiber has always been considered cione della Faggiola, are still flowing and feeding the river. a historical watercourse, a river–museum. Many other cultural sites express as hidden or invisible heritage, and they have been considered when quantitively From La vena del Senatello e la sua leggenda, an original docu- assessing geoheritage value to the existing geosites. Other than ment by Luigi Dominici (1930 ca.) viewed by courtesy of Luigi Mat- impressive landforms, this area includes important cultural and tei Gentili, direct descendant of the author. 1 3 97 Page 4 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 3 Monumental morphoscu- lptures outcropping above Balze village, highlighted by a line drawing; in red: main fracture system; in black: stratifica- tion; in yellow: blocks prone to rock-falls due to the intersection amongst fracture systems historical values that seem not at all additional to the geo- the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic sides of the chain (Casagli logical ones in terms of the popularisation of the territory. 1994). The watershed line presents a clear deviation from Mt. Fumaiolo, characterised by several natural springs, has the general SE-NW orientation that Lotti (2015) ascribed also been recently led back to the background of la Gioconda to a capture phenomenon carried out by the Tiber river (Borchia and Nesci 2012), where a complex landscape has with regards to the Adriatic rivers (Marecchia and Savio been represented by Leonardo. Their study states that the right rivers). Mt. Fumaiolo complex fits into the outcropping part of the background represents the Marecchia river valley Ligurian Units that fill up the San Piero in Bagno syncline and the massif of Mt. Fumaiolo. (Casagli 1994). Moving south from Balze village, we find another massive The test areas are characterised by extended outcrops of mountain ridge named Alpe della Luna, which hosted many massive allochthonous thrust sheets (known as Valmarec- fights during World War Two (WWII hereafter). The Gothic chia Nappe); they consist of Ligurian and Epiligurian Line passed near the massif, and nowadays there is an associa- Formations that overthrust the Umbro-Marchean autoch- tion that guides tours through the Historical Park of the Gothic thonous Units, drawing a peculiar landscape characterised Line of Badia Tedalda (http://www .par cos toricolin eago tica. it/ by high geodiversity and marked above all by differential en/), thus contributing to an interdisciplinary approach on the erosional landforms cut in various formations (Conti 1990, fruition of the sites. Last but not least, the Tiber river springs 1995; Conti et al. 2016; De Feyter 1991; Bonciani et al. are located in the Mt. Fumaiolo area and have been of funda- 2007; D’Errico et al. 2014; De Capoa et al. 2015 and refer- mental importance in managing the whole Tiberina valley. ences therein). The Valmarecchia Nappe has been widely studied due to its complexity and interesting geological features (Bonarelli 1929; Capozzi et al. 1991; De Donatis Geological Setting 1992; Cerrina Feroni et al. 1997, 2002; Conti et al. 1987; Ricci Lucchi 1986; Selli 1954; Vai and Castellarin 1992; Mt. Fumaiolo represents the highest peak (1406 m a.s.l.) Zattin et al. 2002; Carmignani et al. 2004; Carmignani amongst a restricted mountainous complex that extends for et al. 2013; Cornamusini et al. 2012). approximately 12 km in correspondence of the adminis- The Ligurian and Epiligurian formations deposited trative boundary amongst Toscana, Emilia-Romagna and in different sub-basins have been translated through a Marche regions. This complex belongs to the Apennine structural depression, the “Marecchia line” (Conti 1990), relief system that constitutes the watershed line between orthogonally to the main Apennine tectonic features. The 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 5 of 20 97 Ligurian Units, characterised by Cretaceous argillitic – EPra turbidite sandstones, marlstones, shales and clays, are the principal rocks responsible for translat- breccias: Complesso della Valle del Savio (Middle ing the formations above them, providing a preferential Eocene–Late Oligocene). detachment zone to the migration that occurred during the Miocene uplift of the Apennine chain. Ligurian formations 3. Cervarola-Falterona succession outcrop with the Villa a Radda, Sillano, Argille Varicolori – CFvc—marlstones, silty marlstones and siltstones, and Monte Morello formations, whilst the autochthonous with interbedded sandstones: Vicchio formation substrate is expressed by Marnoso-Arenacea, San Paolo (Miocene: Late Aquitanian–Langhian). marls, Verghereto marls, Villore Varicolored clays and Vicchio formations. 4. CFfa—turbidite sandstones, siltstones, shales and San Marino and Mt. Fumaiolo Epiligurian formations marlstones, with olistostromes: Verghereto Marls (Mt. Fumaiolo mountain range) are represented by shallower (Miocene:Aquitanian–Burdigalian); Villore Varicolored water sediments deposited during the movement towards the Marls (Eocene: Rupelian–Miocene:Aquitanian). Silici- Adriatic front, such as limestones and calcarenites. clastic succession of the inner basin. Cornamusini et al. (2017) proposed a complex mecha- nism for the emplacement of the Valmarecchia Nappe, which – UMgh mudstones with olistostromes, channelled includes a tectonic origin due to the Mt. Nero Thrust and sandstones: San Paolo marls (Late Serravallian–Mid- a submarine gravitational sliding development within the dle Tortonian). foredeep basin. – UMma turbiditic sandstones and siltstones, with Quaternary deposits are represented by alluvial fans and interbedded marlstones, calcarenites and hybrid terraced fluvial deposits (braided streams facies) of Ravenna sandstones: Marnoso-Arenacea formation (Late Subsynthem (upper Pleistocene-Holocene) and Modena Unit Burdigalian–Early Tortonian) (Holocene). Therefore, the geodiversity of this area is induced by the 5. Quaternary continental deposits different outcropping lithotypes, characterised by different – Qa1 alluvial fan and terraced deposits: Ravenna Sub- behaviour to deformation and weathering. synthem (Late Pleistocene–Holocene); Modena Unit In Fig. 4, the geological map of the study area has been (fourth–sixth century AD–present day). redrawn and slightly modified from Conti et al. (2020); the illustrated geological symbology refers to the following geological domains, described in chronological order from Methodology oldest to most recent: In this work, geoheritage investigations have been based on 1. External Ligurian Domain (outer succession) a geomorphological reading of the territory and the analysis of landforms. Geomorphological investigations have been – ELel—helminthoides flysch: limestones, marly lime- made by means of field surveys supported by multi-temporal stones, marlstones and shales: Monte Morello forma- aerial photos analysis and brought to compile the Geomor- tion (Eocene: Ypresian–Lutetian). phological map, according to the indications of ISPRA’s – ELvr—varicoloured shales, siltstones, limestones, guidelines for geomorphological mapping (Campobasso carbonatic sandstones, conglomerates and breccias: et al. 2018). Then, the inventory of geosites and the quanti- Sillano formation (Albian–Ypresian); Villa a Radda tative assessment of the scientific and additional values have formation (Late Cretaceous–Early Eocene); Argille been conducted. Each geosite has been newly investigated Varicolori formation (Early Cretaceous–Eocene_ to better relate the embodied values and express sugges- Ypresian). tions about management and conservation strategies. Geo- touristic trails have been proposed in a Geoheritage map, 2. Epiligurian succession (pre-evaporitic) distinguished by colour based on the main features that can be found on the trek. – EPbs sandstones, calcarenites, claystones, conglom- Mapping has gained a high level of attention in geo- erates, breccias and olistostromes: Monte Fumaiolo heritage research (Regolini-Bissig and Reynard 2010; formation, Monte Aquilone member, della Vetta Fuertes-Gutiérrez and Fernández-Martínez 2012 ; member (Miocene: Late Burdigalian–Serravallian); Comănescu et  al. 2013, 2017; Zwoliński et  al. 2018; San Marino formation (Miocene: Late Burdigalian– Bouzekraoui et al. 2018), and geomorphological mapping Early Langhian). can represent a valuable tool in interpreting the values 1 3 97 Page 6 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 4 Geological map of the study area, redrawn from Conti et al. (2020), coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N. Legend: 1 faults; 2 tectonic contrasts between main tectonic units, thrusts, low-angle normal faults; 3 stratigraphic boundaries; 4 main localities; 5 mountain peaks; geological main suc- cessions: Cervarola-Falterona succession: CFfa turbidite sandstones, siltstones, shales and marlstones, with olistos- tromes; CFvc marlstones, silty marlstones and siltstones, with interbedded sandstones. Exter- nal Ligurian Domain (outer succession): ELel helminthoides flysch: limestones, marly limestones, marlstones, shales; ELvr varicoloured shales, silt- stones, limestones, carbonatic sandstones, conglomerates and breccias Epiligurian succession (pre-evaporitic): EPbs sand- stones, calcarenites, claystones, conglomerates, breccias and olistostromes; EPra turbidite sandstones, marlstones, shales, breccias. Quaternary continental deposits: Qa1 alluvial fan and terraced deposits. Siliciclastic succession of the inner basin: UMgh mudstones with olistos- tromes, channelled sandstones; UMma turbiditic sandstones and siltstones, with interbedded marlstones, calcarenites and hybrid sandstones embedded in the geological landscape in relation to human with the geological map (Fig. 4, redrawn from Conti et al. development through time, thus delivering a full view of 2020) and the available geological and regional geomor- the landscape composition and evolution (Knight et al. phological cartographies (Emilia-Romagna and Toscana 2011; Verstappen 2011; Otto and Smith 2013). Given regions) (Fig. 5) to compile the Geomorphological map of these premises, the geomorphological map of the study the study area (Fig. 6). The hydrographic network has been area has been produced as the first step of the methodol- vectorised after comparing aerial images with the IGM ogy adopted (Fig. 4); field surveys were carried out, sup- Topographic Map of Italy (scale 1:25,000). The DEM used ported by a multi-temporal analysis of aerial photos and as a base is freely available as a 10-m cell size grid (in bibliographical research. The geomorphological data have GeoTIFF format) in the UTM WGS 84 zone 32 projection been georeferenced using the ArcGIS tool and overlapped system (Tarquini et al. 2007). 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 7 of 20 97 Fig. 5 Research methodology flow chart The mapped landforms include stream terraces of – Scientific V alue (Table 2, SV): assessment of criteria IN the Marecchia, Senatello and Tiber rivers; f latirons, (Integrity), RE (representativeness), RA (rareness), PI badlands and mudf lows on argillitic and marly for- (paleogeographic interest). mations and rock falls on the boundaries of the main – Ecological Value (Table  3, EV): arithmetic mean reliefs. amongst criteria EI (Ecological Impact), PS (Protected The scientific and additional values of the geosites Site). were analysed through a Geoheritage assessment, a – Aesthetic Value (Table 3, AV): arithmetic mean amongst topic largely discussed over the last decades in scien- criteria VP (Viewpoints) and CVS (colour contrast, verti- tific literature, where several qualitative and quantita- cal development, space structuration). tive methodologies for assessing geosites and geomor- – Cultural Value (Table  3, CV): highest score amongst phosites have been proposed (e.g., Reynard et al. 2016; RI (Religious Importance), HI (Historical Importance), Mucivuna et al. 2019). AL (Artistic and Literary Importance), EC (Economic The geological and geomorphological heritage of the area Importance). has been inventoried starting from the already catalogued geosites of the Emilia-Romagna region, implemented with According to the authors’ observations, the values were geological didactic points of interest, and with the assess- attributed through a score from 0 to 1. The resulting scores ment of the sites’ value, according to an adapted version of have been summed for each geosite (Table 4) to get a quanti- Reynard et al. (2016). tative expression of their comprehensive quality. The protec- A representative code has been assigned to each geosites, tion status of the geosites is expressed in Table 4, consider- composed of the first three capital letters referring to the ing if they are comprised (entirely or partially) or not inside study area (VMU = Upper Valmarecchia), the following protected SIC-ZPS areas. Both ongoing and needed fields three letters relating to the main process or represented geo- have been ticked in those cases where the geosites reside in type (flv = fluvial, tec = tectonics, mmv = mass movements, a protected area, but more specific protection measurements str = stratigraphy) and finally a progressive number associ- are suggested. A qualitative evaluation of protection has also ated to the process (Table 1). been compiled. The quantitative assessment for the geosites (adopted Finally, the natural landforms have then been associ- from Reynard et al. 2007 and 2016) was conducted regard- ated with historical sites, cultural treks or religious places ing the following values: of interest through the Geoheritage map, produced after 1 3 97 Page 8 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 6 Geomorphological map of the study area, coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N. 1 main localities; 2 mountain peaks; 3 natural spring with additional value; 4 natural spring; 5 hydrographic network; 6 landslide crown (active); 7 landslide crown (relict); 8 landslide crown (undeter- mined); 9 triangular fault facet; 10 badlands; 11 evolving fluvial deposits; 12 terraced fluvial deposits; 13 active landslide; 14 relict landslide; 15 areas of widespread landslides; 16 scree/ talus deposits; 17 slope debris deposits; 18 eluvium-colluvial deposits comparing the geomorphological and additional values of the bridges on Senatello and Marecchia river and the XXII the sites through the quantitative assessment, implemented places of fight have been mapped because they constitute an to set a relation amongst the natural components of the geo- example of how geomorphology interacts with humanity. heritage of the valley and the cultural ones. Many features and objects, even if they are not purely geological, can, in fact, be interpreted as a part of the geological heritage (Wet- Results zel 2002; Erikstad 2013; Gray 2013; Lubova et al. 2013; Bruno et al. 2014), which is true, especially, when archaeo- A Geomorphological map and a Geoheritage map, repre- logical sites are closely linked to the geological environment sented at a 1:75,000 scale, have been carried out to enhance (Moroni 2015). Regarding these aspects, the Laughing stone, peculiar landforms and processes and provide tools for 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 9 of 20 97 Table 1 General data of the geosite inventory Nr Code Name Location Municipality Coordinates/EPSG 32633 Altitude Classification Main features range/m a.s.l 1 VMUflv001 Senatello Senatello Casteldelci 267,226.092263 4,852,059.17847 1048–1353 Local rel- Natural spring, springs springs, (RN) evance pyramidal mount Mt. Aquilone 2 VMUflv002 Marecchia Badia Badia 265,316.196954 4,847,605.95931 918–955 Local rel- Natural spring, springs Tedalda Tedalda evance badlands (AR) 3 VMUflv003 Tiber springs Mt. Fumaiolo Verghereto 265,119.987870 4,852,519.71890 1186–1363 Regional Natural spring pass (FC) relevance 4 VMUtec001 Sant'Alberico Poggio Verghereto 266,304.205165 4,854,050.75742 1010–1310 Local rel- Intra-mountain intra-moun- l’Abetia, (FC) evance basin, deep-seated tain basin Pian del gravitational slope Brigo deformation 5 VMUmmv001 Mt. Fumaiolo Balze, Mt. Verghereto 264,606.754600 4,852,118.84915 1060–1406 Regional Reference area, strati- relief Fumaiolo (FC) relevance graphic succession, rock buttress, mass movement 6 VMUstr001 Casteldelci cliff Casteldelci, Casteldelci 271,675.237914 4,852,894.89966 489–630 Local rel- Cliff, morphosculp- Ripa del (RN) evance ture, stratigraphic Lamento succession 7 VMUstr002 Mt. Faggiola Casteldelci, Casteldelci 269,368.793847 4,853,440.22543 655–1121 Local rel- Fault, morphoscu- Vecchia and Senatello (RN) evance lpture, bedform, Mt. Faggiola stratigraphic suc- Nuova reliefs cession geotouristic fruition and the understanding of geological Geomorphological Map and geomorphological features of this northern Apennines portion. The regional inventory for the geosites has also The lithological differences ensure an exceptionally wide been updated with new observations made on the site and variety of landforms. Limestones and calcarenites react by enhancing geomorphological points of interest. Finally, with a fragile behaviour to structural deformation, produc- the geosites have been assessed with a quantitative evalua- ing rock-falls, toppling and rock pillars on the sides of the tion of the scientific and additional values and a qualitative ridges. On the other hand, clays and marls produce gentle evaluation of protection and management issues. hills or badlands by the effects of linear erosion. Geomor - phology also affected some toponyms in the area, such as Table 2 Scientific v alue assessment Geosite Scientific value (SV) Nr Code Name Integrity Representa- Rareness Paleogeographic Average tiveness interest score 1 VMUflv001 Senatello springs 1 0.75 0.5 0.75 0.75 2 VMUflv002 Marecchia springs 1 1 0.5 0.75 0.81 3 VMUflv003 Tevere springs 1 1 0.5 0.75 0.81 4 VMUtec001 Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin 1 0.5 0.75 1 0.81 5 VMUmmv001 Mt. Fumaiolo relief 1 1 1 0.75 0.94 6 VMUstr001 Casteldelci cliff 1 1 0.5 0.75 0.81 7 VMUstr002 Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola 1 0.75 0.5 0.75 0.75 Nuova reliefs 1 3 97 Page 10 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Table 3 Additional values assessment Geosite Ecological value (EV) Aesthetic value (AV) Cultural value (CV) Nr Code Name EI PS EV VP CVS AV RI HI AL Ec CV 1 VMUflv001 Senatello springs 0.75 0.25 0.5 0 0.83 0.41 0 0 1 0 1 2 VMUflv002 Marecchia springs 0.75 0 0.37 0.25 0.5 0.37 0 1 0 0 1 3 VMUflv003 Tevere springs 0.75 1 0.87 0.5 0.58 0.54 0 1 0 0.5 1 4 VMUtec001 Sant’Alberico's intra-mountain basin 0.75 1 0.87 0.75 0.66 0.7 1 1 1 0.25 1 5 VMUmmv001 Mt. Fumaiolo relief 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0.25 1 6 VMUstr001 Casteldelci cliff 1 0 0.5 1 0.92 0.96 0 0 0 0 0 7 VMUstr002 Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Fag- 0.75 0 0.37 1 0.75 0.87 0 1 1 0 1 giola Nuova reliefs Table 4 Summary table SV EV AV CV Total score Protection status On going Needed Not needed 0.75 0.5 0.41 1 2.66 x x 0.81 0.37 0.37 1 2.55 x 0.81 0.87 0.54 1 3.22 x 0.81 0.87 0.7 1 3.38 x 0.94 1 1 1 3.94 x 0.81 0.5 0.96 0 2.27 x 0.75 0.37 0.87 1 2.99 x in the localities Balze and Sassoni (meaning jump and big topplings in those formations have also occurred in the stone blocks, respectively). past, above all during the last glacial period and in more The geomorphological map outlines the main landforms recent times (i.e. Little Ice Age, Fagan 2001). In fact, of the study area (Fig. 6). This map includes active and inac- in the Romagna-Marche area, there have been several tive landslides and detachment crowns, the hydrographic cold phases in recent historical times, with a consequent network, stream terraces and badlands, deriving from the increase in the diffusion and severity of hydrogeological geomorphological database of the Toscana Region and the instability phenomena (Guerra and Nesci 2013). data of the Emilia-Romagna Region but partially revised in Fluvial morphologies are characterised by braided this work. channels according to hydraulic parameters related to the Regarding the relationship between lithotypes and riverbed slopes (Pizzuto 2011). slope processes, the argillitic and marly lithotypes deposits of the Argille Varicolori, Marne di Vicchio Geosite Inventory and Sillano (SIL) formations favour the development of the typical linear erosional landforms (badlands), dif- The following geosite inventory was partly based on ferential erosional slopes, mudf lows and debris-f lows existing ones, established by the Emilia-Romagna triggering. On the other hand, the areas where Monte region and instituted with the Regional Law No 9/2006. Morello (MLL) formation outcrops are often affected Moreover, a part of the study area that comprises some by solif luction, deep-seated gravitational slope deforma- of the geosites was popularised by the region through tions and rock-slides (active or relict). These phenom- a geothematic map, named “Geo-environmental itiner- ena have been observed in the field and are reported in ary in the Marecchia Valley—discovering Valmarec- Fig.  6, where of interest and according to the selected chia, geodiversity and a unique geological landscape scale. Rock-falls and complex landslides characterise in Romagna”, presented in 2015 and freely available at the arenaceous lithotypes, limestone and cemented con- the source https:// ambie nte. r egio ne. emilia- r omagna. it/ it/ glomerates, such as the San Marino or Monte Fumaiolo geologia/ g eologia/ g eositi- paesa ggio- g eologico/ itine r ari/ formations, with the development of the main ridges, Itine rari- valle- Marec chia/, from which the Uguccione vertical cliffs and rock pillars (Fig. 7). Rock-falls and trail has been inspired. 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 11 of 20 97 Fig. 7 Geosites and points of interest examples: a Sas- soni locality; b monumental landforms near Balze village; c surface karst evidences and Senatello springs (VMUflv001); d monumental landforms near Balze village; e Balze cliff 1. Senatello springs (VMUflv001)—this geosite encloses 2. Marecchia springs (VMUflv002)—the springs of the the areas of Mt. Aquilone and Poggio del Passino Marecchia river are located at 1263 m a.s.l. in Forconaia reliefs, from which the Senatello river springs. The locality (Pratieghi, Arezzo province, Toscana), along a water source is enclosed by a capture work dating valley that deepens on the eastern side of Poggio Cast- back to 1920 that initially diverted the flow towards agnolo, at a short distance from the top of Mt. della the Savio valley, whilst today it supplies the residen- Zucca, a mountainous complex formed by the Marnoso- cies of the Senatello valley. A small fountain is located Arenacea formation and covered by beech trees (Albini underneath the road next to the catchment and a short 2012). The Marecchia is a torrential river that collects distance away is the “overflow” of the spring, consist- the waters from the Viamaggio watershed (Castello di ing of a copious outflow that testifies the extraordi- Ranco locality). When rising the Marecchia valley, close nary flow of the water veins. The spring is situated at to the main Apennine ridge, it is possible to find the the base of the southern slope of Mt. Aquilone, at the confluence of two branches of water of similar value: geological contact between the rocks that constitute the Presale creek, which originates at the foot of the Mt. Aquilone and the clayey Ligurian units that lie Alpe della Luna ridge, heading south, and the Marecchia below. Mt. Aquilone is in fact composed of the lime- river, whose course bends westwards into a wide head, stones of San Marino formation, topped by the sand- beyond which the upper Tiber valley opens up. Along stones of Mt. Fumaiolo formation (Conti 1989), both this watershed, the landscape allows grasping the differ - made highly permeable by a dense network of frac- ent rocky units. The marly rocks of the Vicchio forma- tures and resting on the impermeable clayey rocks of tion (De Donatis 1992), light grey in colour, are imme- the Ligurian units (Villa a Radda and Monte Morello diately evident and exposed in the gully incisions that formations). The fractured limestone acts as a large interrupt the meadows and become badlands. Here, veg- storehouse of water, where filtration leads to the for - etation is fragile; the juniper is a sign of poorly evolved mation of an aquifer in contact with the impermeable and difficult to colonise soil; black pine reforestations Ligurian clays. Intercepted by the surface, this contact are evident on the margins and constitute an exotic spe- returns the spring water. The entire mountain complex cies that has been used in historic times to stabilise the between Mt. Aquilone and Mt. Fumaiolo is charac- slopes with little soil thickness. The ridge from which terised by this geological structure and is very rich in Poggio Tre Vescovi rises and the surrounding areas are water and thus water springs. characterised by the outcropping of Ligurian units of 1 3 97 Page 12 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 the Valmarecchia nappe. Access to the site is of medium della Briglia di S. Alberigo. Accessibility to the site is difficulty. easy. 3. Tiber springs (VMUflv003)—the Tiber river originates 6. Casteldelci cliff (VMUstr001)—the Marnoso-Arenacea from two spring areas (Di Matteo et al. 2017; Maccari Formation (Capozzi et al. 1991; Bonciani et al. 2007; 2005) located along the northern slope of Mount Fuma- De Capoa et al. 2015) emerges along the left bank of iolo, known in past times as Fiumaiolo (from Italian the Senatello river with excellent exposure, showing an word fiume, meaning river), at 1268 m a.s.l. almost perfectly horizontal stratification. The Marnoso- 4. Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin (VMUtec001)— Arenacea formation is expressed here as the Member Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin is located at the bot- of the Hill, a pelitic-arenaceous lithofacies marked by tom of a large trench in the NE slopes of Mt. Fumaiolo, intercalation of sandstones in thin and medium beds, at elongated in a SW-NE direction and enclosed between times thick and thick, with an A/P ratio of less than 1/5, slopes formed by the limestone of San Marino formation and shows a sub-horizontal layering of the stratification. (Conti et al. 2016). This sub-flat area was called La Cella Morphosculptures mark the outcrop due to erosive selec- di Sant’Alberico (= St. Alberico’s cell) in ancient maps, tion of the arenaceous and marly layers, which created a and Cella in the toponymy of CTR maps. It is located at the stairway between the base and the top of the Ripa, called bottom of a tectonic trench 700–800 m wide and extended Ripa del Lamento (= Cliff of Lamentation) in the local in the SW-NE direction for more than 4 km, enclosed tongue. Direct access to the site is difficult, but it is pos- between the steep wooded slopes of Pian del Brigo and sible to have a clear view of the cliff from the main road Croce della Costa to the South, and by pyramidal reliefs, system. including Poggio l’Abetia. The Pietricci ditch flows into the 7. Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola Nuova reliefs intra-mountain basin to the south, without exit, whilst in (VMUstr002)—along the ridge between Mt. Faggiola the same direction (along the same fault line?), the Parella Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola Nuova, the geometrical rela- ditch comes out of the plain. The reliefs are formed by tionships between the Valmarecchia nappe and the rocks limestones of the San Marino formation (biocalcarenitic on which it has been placed during orogenesis, consti- member of San Alberico formation) and by the sandstones tuted here of the Marnoso-Arenacea formation, can be of Mt. Fumaiolo formation. These units rest on the Mel- observed in an exemplary manner (Conti 1989). All the ange of the Savio Valley. Saint Alberico’s Hermitage and geological units involved show very intense deforma- La Cella points of interest (R1 and R2) are located in the tions, appreciable from different perspective points. area of the geosite. Accessibility to the site is easy. In the area, the layers of Marnoso-Arenacea forma- 5. Mt. Fumaiolo relief (VMUmmv001)—extensive rocky tion show evident changes in their position, drawing a buttress along which sandstones of Mt. Fumaiolo forma- particular synclinal fold, which develops close to the tion outcrop on the western and southern slopes, where tectonic contact (a relaxing fault) between the blanket it constitutes the reference area for the formation (Amo- and the Marnoso-Arenacea. In the area surrounding Mt. rosi 1992; Conti 1989; De Capoa et al. 2015). One can Faggiola Nuova, the landscape presents clear changes observe the passage to the San Marino formation along in morphology and plant cover, drawing neat passages the southernmost wall. Towards NO, large boulders between wide areas marked by soft morphologies and mobilised by the rock-debris layer mark the surface of covered by grasslands and much steeper slopes covered a landslide. In the area known as I Sassoni (= big stone by woodland. Moving towards the summit, it is possible blocks), large rocky boulders are located on the surface to walk on the contact between the Ligurian Units and of the slope, below the rocky outcrop. These large blocks the Marnoso-Arenacea formation, which presents itself fell from the cliff and were originally part of the detritus with the upturned stratification, immerging towards the layer mobilised at the head of an active and quiescent west. Going along the ridge in the direction of Mt. Fag- landslide, characterised by a complex movement devel- giola Nuova, one can walk on the verticalised layers of oped in the clayey units below. The toponym Fumaiolo the Marnoso-Arenacea formation with the possibility of can derive Fiumaiolo (from fiume, meaning river) for observing a didactic example of selective erosion: the the conspicuous springs (Maccari 2005; Di Matteo et al. softer marly layers are more easily eroded by weather- 2016; 2017) that flow along and around its slopes. Natu - ral caves existing in the area have been registered in https:// geo. regio ne. emilia- romag na. it/ carto grafia_ sgss/ user/ viewer. the Cadastre of natural cavities of the Emilia-Romagna jsp? servi ce= grotte region. They have been included in the map, although https:// geo. regio ne. emilia- romag na. it/ schede/ speleo/ index. jsp? id= public access to natural cavities is generally forbidden and always subject to specific regulation. The two caves 4 https:// geo. regio ne. emilia- romag na. it/ schede/ speleo/ index. jsp? id= are named Buca del Diavolo di Verghereto and Pozzo 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 13 of 20 97 ing, whilst the arenaceous ones, much more tenacious, evolving geomorphological features about different envi- form protruding cornices moulded into aligned pinna- ronmental conditions. cles that produce the typical sawtooth morphologies. – Balze (G7) shows a didactic example of differential ero- Access to the site is of medium difficulty. sion on the massive outcrop towering over the village. – Surface karst evidences (G8) occur most notably in Moreover, a series of additional geological points of inter- the area located east of Balze village, where they are est have been investigated and highlighted in the Geoherit- enhanced by vegetational patterns that highlight the main age map to enable visitors to find specific sites representing fractures of the boulders situated there. the values embedded in the different geosites or other pecu- – Verticalized layers (G9) inside a massive Marnoso-Aren- liarities. The points have been distinguished through a code acea formation outcrop, where the process of differential that expresses their Geological value (G1, G2…), Historical erosion stands out in the hillside, constituting a potential value (H1, H2…, or WW1, WW2… for the XX century didactic geomorphosite, a place where to observe and historical sites) or Religious value (R1, R2). touch by hand those geological phenomena that influ - Geological points of interest are the following: enced today’s landscape. – The Cliff of Lamentation (G10) is a didactic outcropping – Intra-mountain structural basin (G1) – the point of inter- that embodies geological and geomorphological con- est is located at the bottom of the large sub-flat tectonic cepts such as sedimentation processes, river cutting and trench area on Mt. Fumaiolo, elongated in a SW-NE past tectonics; the point is included in Casteldelci cli ff direction for more than 4  km, enclosed between the (VMUstr001) geosite, which catches the visitor’s atten- slopes formed by limestones of San Marino formation. tion with its impressing scenery. The outcrop emerges – Pozzo della Briglia di Sant’Alberico (G2) and Buca del from the Senatello riverbed and shows the undeformed Diavolo di Verghereto (G6) are the two caves registered horizontal setting of the Marnoso Arenacea formation in the Cadastre of natural cavities of Emilia-Romagna layers. region. – Santa Maria in Sasseto palaeosurface (G11, 768 m – Sassoni (G3, = big stone blocks) is a locality in the prox- a.s.l.) is a f lat terrace on the Marecchia valley, a imities of Mt. Fumaiolo, possibly named after the pres- planation surface resulting from the subsequent ero- ence of massive boulders (Repetti 1841), detached from sive and denudation phases of the uplifted Apennine the massif above because of important rock-falls. mountains during ancient stationing of the local base – Tiber waterfalls (G4) site shows a typical example of levels of erosion (Guerra and Lazzari 2020). Uplift how those landforms represent the extreme manifesta- and the emergence of the Apennines were accompa- tion of a knickpoint/channel gradient steepening (Goudie nied by the progressive establishment of a dynamic 2020). equilibrium between erosion and deposition rates, – The toponym Laghi (G5), associated with Fosso dei also linked to the different climatic phases that have Laghi (= lakes creek), a minor watercourse in the area, occurred over time (Cyr and Granger 2008). In addi- is possibly related to a sub-flat portion of the territory tion, a Historical value has been associated with the where lakes could have possibly existed in past times. site thanks to the discovery of artefacts that testify It is found at 1210 m a.s.l. on the southern cliff of Mt. roman and mediaeval population of the site (see Ugu- Fumaiolo, west of Balze village. This site indicates the ccione trail). possible location of a palaeo or archaeolake, whose for- – Colorìo badlands (G12) are located along the right side mation should be related to the complex faults’ system of of the Tiber river, on Poggio della Croce mountainous Mount Fumaiolo formation calcareous banks in associa- slopes, and develop on arenitic-pelitic turbidites of the tion with a high level of saturation of the aquifer. Borchia Marnoso Arenacea formation (Montecoronaro member), and Nesci (2012) also suggested a lake located in the with an A/P ratio < 1/6. Arenites are finely stratified and proximities of Senatello spring, included in the land- consist of fine brownish sands, whilst the pelitic portions scape portraited by Leonardo da Vinci as a background consist of grey marly siltstones. Visibility to the point of for la Gioconda. This last lacustrine testimony should interest is optimal from Castello di Colorìo mountain hut, be related to the generalised tendency of accumulating a former farmhouse that was part of the Faggiola’s Castle precipitated rain and snow at the foot of the cliffs, which of Colorìo. Two basement rooms and the cistern of the is a direct consequence of the geological setting of the fortress are located on the small hill above the hut. outcropping lithotypes (argillitic clays lying underneath – The Laughing stone (G13) is a curious rock boulder iso- highly fractured calcareous massifs), and testimonies the lated inside the woods, where a human profile has been 1 3 97 Page 14 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 shaped by erosion. Honeycomb weathering is particularly Moreover, several water springs have been highlighted in developed and represents a rare case in the study area. the map, with a particular reference to the ones that convey associated additional values. The Tiber (S1) and Marecchia Historical points of interest include a bridge on the Sena- (S4) springs have an associated historical value as the major tello river, a ruinated bridge on the Marecchia river, ancient cities or respectively Rome and Rimini enjoyed favourable castle sites and several places of fight related to World War conditions for the human settlement due to the presence II. These last are due to the presence of the Gothic Line of of the rivers. The Senatello spring (S2) has an associated Badia Tedalda in the southern portion of the study area. The cultural value due to the warrior’s legend in oral and writ- highlighted Historical points of interest are the following: ten traditions (see Senatello springs geosite description). A Faggiola Vecchia castle site (H1), Uguccione castle ruins sulphurous spring (S3) is located in the proximities of the (H2), Mediaeval bridge on the Senatello river (H3), Pes- village of Colorìo and has an associated value due to the caia (H4), Le Ripe (H5), Colorìo castle ruins (H6), Roman sulphur presence. Lastly, two more springs (S5 and S6) have bridge ruins on the Marecchia river (H7), Fragheto (WW1), been found thanks to historical written and oral testimonies Mt. Castagnolo military posts (WW2), Pratieghi (WW3), and fieldwork and have been related to Dante’s presence in Mt. della Zucca military posts (WW4), Caprile military these lands, well remembered by local tradition. posts (WW5), Valdazze (WW6), Mt. Faggiola military posts (WW7), Mt. Botolino military posts (WW8), Rofelle Dante’s Higher and Lower Spring (WW9) and Sasso di Cocchiola military posts (WW10). Two Religious points of interest have been identified in A local tradition associates the village of Pratieghi with the the St. Alberico hermitage site (R1), still active today, that passage of the poet Dante Alighieri. The inhabitants still dates back approximately to the eleventh century AD, and say that Dante used to refresh himself in a nearby spring, as La Cella (R2), known in past times as “Cella San Joannes humble as those of the Marecchia river, not far from it. This inter ambas Paras”. It is believed that St. Alberico hermit- spring had been identified in the 1950s in a site not far from age was initially founded by Saint Romualdo, founder of the driveway, and road signs had been placed leading to it, the Camaldolese congregation, who lived in the tenth cen- with obvious tourist purposes. Today, only rusty fragments tury. St. Alberico was presumably a hermit who followed of those signs remain and are dislocated from their original St. Romualdo’s teachings, although his life is scarcely docu- location. This point has been highlighted as S6 (Fig. 8). Still, mented and mainly linked to oral tradition. It is believed that the position does not respect the one described by historical Alberico built his first shelter as a cell and two caves inside sources (Dominici 1959), which refer to it as being about the rocks, where he lived in penance and holiness, perform- halfway between Pratieghi and Colorìo Castle, not far from ing miracles and healing abdominal diseases and hernias. the source of the Marecchia river. Going up the stream from La Cella site hosts a monastery founded by St. Romualdo the lower spring, one comes to an area of long-stemmed in the tenth century (Dominici 1959) in between Parella trees cultivation, where minor creeks start accumulating (NW) and Para creeks (SE, Savio river tributary), and this precipitated water. Going further up towards the ridge, one characteristic originated its ancient name “Cella San Joannes encounters a very small vein of water, which seems to feed inter ambas Paras”, meaning precisely in between the Paras. the streams, albeit sparsely. Dante’s higher spring has been A water spring and a boulder located outside the hermit- identified in this minor vein (S5, Fig.  8) as a possible loca- age are still considered thaumaturgical today in relation to tion for the original water source. the Saint. Both R1 and R2 sites are related to St. Franc- It is reasonable to think that morphological modifications esco’s journeys and have been frequented by him and many and lowering of the water table almost extinguish the spring. pilgrims. These sites, in particular, convey several values (geomorpho- A monumental beech tree is located near Saint Alberico logical, hydrological, historical, cultural) that could be the hermitage (T1, Faggio di Sant’Alberico), as evidenced in starting point of a reflection about how to manage similar the map and several other significant examples of the same examples of geomorphosites, to get to an integrated valori- species that gave the name to Poggio Sette Faggi (= hillock sation of the natural sites that convey cultural and historical of the seven beeches, T2). strong values. Historical watermills that can be found numerously in the Marecchia valley and mostly date back to the eighteenth and Geosites Quantitative Assessment nineteenth centuries have also been highlighted. Following the qualitative and quantitative methodology for assessing geomorphosites proposed by Reynard et al. (2016), 5 it was possible to associate a score to each geosite for the Source: http:// www. fumai olotu rismo. it/-/ vergh ereto- eremo- di- sant- Scientific value (Table  2), Ecological value (EV), Aesthetic alber ico- abbaz ie 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 15 of 20 97 Fig. 8 Marecchia springs (S4) and Dante’s higher (S5) and lower springs (S6) on Dante’s trail, in the surroundings of Pra- tieghi village; coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N value (AV) and Cultural value (CV), as summarised in limestones above clayey and marly lithotypes and have an Table  3, to verify the hierarchy of the total values of the average value of, respectively, 0.64 and 0.75. geosites also according to their protection and conservation Cultural Value (Table 3) is expressed with the criteria priority (Table 4). Religious Importance, Historical Importance, Artistic and For the scientific value assessment, all geosites have Literary Importance and Economical Importance. Because retained their integrity, with a score of 1 (Table 2). Their the CV is defined not as an arithmetical mean but as the representativeness is high in relation to Valmarecchia highest value amongst the criteria, all the geosites reach the Epiligurian units (average score of 0.87). Their rareness score of 1 except Casteldelci cliff, in which no relevant cul- is of medium importance if related to the broader geolog- tural features have been detected. The EI of these geosites ical and geomorphological settings of the northern Apen- is negligible: few proper popularisation actions have been nines (average score 0.61). Also, the paleogeographic undertaken, and the area has not been enriched with any interest is high (average score 0.78), with a maximum geotouristic panels; thus, the only income that comes from score in the geosite of Sant’Alberico intra-mountain the geosites is provided by spontaneous fruition of the sites basin. and visits at the historical localities nearby. Ecological Impact (Table 3) is generally high due to the presence of protected species and xerophile environments Geoheritage Map in correspondence to calcareous peaks (average score 0.82). Protected Site values have been assigned as follows: 0 = no We propose a Geoheritage map that conveys the geotouris- protection, 0.25 = a limited portion of the geosite resides in tic sites, such as geosites, geomorphosites and monumental a protected area and 1 = all the extent of the geosite resides landforms, and sites of additional value, like the historical, in a protected area. The Marecchia springs, Casteldelci cultural and religious ones, through a series of trails distin- cliff and Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola nuova guished by the value they convey (Fig. 8). relief areas are not under protection, whilst Tiber springs, In the north-western part of the map, we can see Balze Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin and Mt. Fumaiolo relief village, crossed by San Francesco’s trail (n. 15 in the map), reside totally in protected areas. Senatello springs’ geosites and starting point of the Springs trail (n. 17) (Fig. 9) that partially reside in a SIC-ZPS protected area, but the springs surrounds Mt. Fumaiolo and brings to Tiber’s spring. In red, themselves are outside this portion. The average score of the we have the Uguccione trail, where one can also find signifi- PS criteria is 0.46. cant geological sites such as the Cliff of Lamentation (G10) Aesthetical Value (Table 3) is expressed as the criteria and Verticalised layers in the Marnoso-Arenacea formation View Points and CVS (Colour contrast, Vertical develop- shaped by erosion (G9). Moving south on the San Franc- ment and Space structuration), which have medium–high esco trail, we cross the Dante trail (n. 19) that overlooks the mean values due to vertical cliffs, high altitude locations, badlands of Colorìo (G12) and includes the ruins of Colorìo 1 3 97 Page 16 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 9 Geosites and points of interest examples: a Colorìo badlands from Colorìo castle ruins; b Dante lower spring; c Marecchia springs geosite (VMUflv002); d Mt. Fumaiolo (VMUmmv001) and Casteldelci cliff (VMUstr001) geosites; e Casteldelci cliff (VMUstr001) and Santa Maria in Sasseto paleosurface castle (H6), a curious calcarenite rock locally known as the – Uguccione trail (n. 16) enables visitors to relive the Laughing Stone (G13), and the springs of Marecchia river places and landscapes that the historic figure attended (S4). Then we propose two trails towards WWII places of and shared with Dante by touching several geological and fight and a separate ring path that goes deeply into Gothic cultural points of interest such as the Faggiola Vecchia Line–related sites and includes the ruins of a Roman bridge castle site (H1), Verticalized layers in the Marnoso-Aren- upon the Marecchia river (H7) (Fig. 10). acea formation (G9), Uguccione castle ruins on Mt. Fag- giola Nuova (thirteenth to fifteenth century AD according Itineraries to Sacco 2010, H2), Cliff of Lamentation (G10), Mulino del Rio, a Mediaeval bridge (named Ponte Vecchio, Several itineraries have been mapped to allow visitors to meaning old bridge, and built where a previous wooden reach the highlighted geosites and geological, historical bridge of roman age was located, H3) and the Molino and religious points of interest. Some of them are based on di Castello in Casteldelci village, the site of the Roman existing and well-signed trails, but some portions have been necropolis of Pescaia (second to third century AD , H4) traced on more challenging paths that require a good level and the church of Santa Maria in Sasseto, attested since of trekking and orientation skills. For these reasons, this the twelfth century, rebuilt in the sixteenth century and article should be considered a starting point for building restored in the nineteenth century; frescos inside the tailor-made itineraries based on consulting appropriate trail church have been dated back to 1559 and 1569. The flat maps and hiker portals. Santa Maria in Sasseto palaeosurface (G11) is a scenic point of view on the Senatello and Marecchia valley; the – St. Francesco trail (n. 15) is part of a much longer trail site of Le Ripe (= the cliffs, H5) stands out to the east and named San Francesco’s trail from Rimini to La Verna artefacts of the Iron age and roman age have been found that goes from the Adriatic town to the Saint’s sanctuary, (Ermeti and Sacco 2007). located in Arezzo province. The trail is based on histori- – Springs trail (n. 17) crosses numerous Fumaiolo contact cal records or cultural evidences of the Saint’s journey springs, originated from water accretion in permeable and has been recently developed with a touristic approach and receiving a positive response from local and national authorities. Source: TourER, web portal of Emilia-Romagna region cultural heritage. https:// www. tourer. it/ mappa? lang= en 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 17 of 20 97 Fig. 10 Geoheritage map of the study area, coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N. 1 Geologi- cal point of interest; 2 Historical point of interest; 3 twentieth century point of interest; 4 Reli- gious point of interest; 5 natural spring with additional value; 6 natural spring; 7 historical watermill; 8 TourER protected buildings; 9 monumental trees; 10 main localities; 11 mountain peaks; 12 SIC-ZPS protected areas; 13 Local relevance geosites; 14 Regional relevance geosites; Itineraries: 15 St. Francesco trail; 16 Uguccione trail; 17 Springs trail; 18 Alta Via dei Parchi trail; 19 Dante trail; 20 WWII trails; 21 Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda position; 22 Hydrographic network formations (San Marino and Monte Fumaiolo forma- – The trail named Alta Via dei Parchi (also known as AVP, tions) overlying a relatively impermeable bedrock (Ligu- n. 18) runs along the Apennine ridge between Emilia- rian Units). Part of the trail retraces St. Francesco’s trail, Romagna, Toscana and Marche regions. It crosses two and the points of interest that can be observed during the national Parks, five regional and one interregional Park. trek are the following (starting point from Balze village, The path is about 500 km long, and it is divided into 27 clockwise): Balze (G7), Buca del Diavolo di Verghereto stages, two of which cross the study area (25th and 26th (G6), Laghi (G5), Tiber falls (G4), Tiber springs (S1), stage). Sassoni (G3), Intra-mountain structural basin (G1), – Dante trail (n. 19) has been traced in a possible location La Cella (R2), Surface karst evidences (G8), Senatello that could link the Faggiola castle site to Colorìo and Pra- spring (S2). tieghi, and on the trail is located a panoramic view on the 1 3 97 Page 18 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Colorìo badlands (G12), the Colorìo castle ruins (H6), test-area for a new fruition model based on mutual influ- the Laughing stone (G13), Mt. Castagnolo military post ences amongst natural and anthropic processes. To do (WW2), the Marecchia springs (S4) and Dante highER this, we propose trails that cross the geological and the (S5) and lower spring (S6, Fig. 6). additional values that can improve viewers’ experience, – The WWII trails (n. 20) enable visitors to touch historical engaging them in multiple ways. points of interest related to the World War II Gothic Line Acknowledgements The work is part of a Ph.D. research project (also known as Pisa-Rimini line), a German defensive in progress at the University of Urbino. We kindly thank MiBACT, line of the Italian Campaign that passed in the southern- Emilia-Romagna Region, Toscana Region and Rimini SITUA for most portion of the study area. These particular trails directly or openly providing useful data and Luigi Mattei Gentili, Ivano Sensi and Doriano Pela for the precious tips and suggestions. All pho- can be enriched moving towards a Geo-historical Route tographs and pictures in this paper are the authors’ property. inside the Historical Park of the Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda, enhancing both historical and geomorphologi- Funding Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di cal characteristics that led to the specific location of the Urbino Carlo Bo within the CRUI-CARE Agreement. Points of Interest. Declarations Discussion and Conclusions Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests. This research aims to enhance the geological and geomor- Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attri- bution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adapta- phological heritage through actions, such as census of exist- tion, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long ing geosites; quantitative assessment of their scientific and as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, additional values through an internationally recognised provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes method (Reynard et al. 2016) and production of material were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated related to the geological heritage. otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in These actions are to be understood as a base of helpful the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not information to activate value processes at the territory level, permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will which allow the improvement of geotouristic enhancement. need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://cr eativ ecommons. or g/licen ses/ b y/4.0/ . The authors propose to act first of all by raising the aware- ness of local authorities and associations active in the area regarding geological issues, aiming to include the itineraries of this research in a tourist offer for a non-expert public. In References the same way, training sessions focused not only on the sci- entific but also on the additional values of the geosites could Albini D (2012) Valmarecchia: dalla sorgente a Ponte Messa. be organised for Environmental Hiking Guides who already Guaraldi Ed, p 196 carry out their activities in the study area. Amorosi A (1992) Correlazioni stratigrac fi he e sequenze deposizionali nel Miocene epiligure delle Formazioni di Bismantova, S. Marino The Geoheritage map could inspire the planning of the- e M. Fumaiolo (Appennino settentrionale). Giornale di Geologia, matic hikes, or the production of information brochures, to 54(1):95–105 be proposed in the Pro Loco or Informative Points of the Balbo C (1857) Vita di Dante Alighieri. Unione tipografico-editrice area and to accommodation and hospitality agencies on a torinese. Le Monnier Ed Barbero A (2013) I signori condottieri. In: Signorie cittadine broader scale. nell'Italia comunale, Italia comunale e signorile; 1. Viella Ed. 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Geoheritage Assessment and Potential Geotouristic Enhancement in Mountain Environments: a Test-Site in the Northern Apennines (Italy)

Guerra, Veronica; Lazzari, Maurizio
Geoheritage , Volume 14 (3) – Sep 1, 2022
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Springer Journals
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1867-2477
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10.1007/s12371-022-00729-1
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Abstract

This work proposes an integrated methodology to inventory and quantitatively assess the geosites located in a mountain context of northern Apennines. The geological and geomorphological heritage and the historical, cultural, and religious heritage produce a complex cultural landscape. Such a context is expressed sometimes through monumental examples and other times through hidden or invisible points of interest. In particular, the test area is located between the Emilia-Romagna and Toscana regions (high valley of Tiber, Senatello and Marecchia rivers), including part of three protected areas. The choice of these test sites has been addressed also considering that meaningful historical sites and cultural testimonies are widely present, in addition to the geological and geomorphological features. Amongst these sites, we have considered the Mt. Faggiola Castle ruins, where Dante was possibly hosted when exiled from Florence, the St. Francesco route from Rimini to La Verna, the Historical Park of the Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda and the background of one of the most iconic Leonardo da Vinci’s portraits, la Gioconda. Keywords Geosite · Geodiversity · Geomorphology · Geoheritage assessment · Georoutes · Geotourism Introduction activities through Geotourism and empowering local peo- ple and ethnic groups are keys to what must be sustainable Starting from the establishment of the first European geop- development in geological protected areas (Bouzekraoui arks in 2000, the geological culture has been gradually et al. 2018; Brandolini et al. 2007, 2011; Comănescu et al. spreading throughout the world, proposing a model of sus- 2017; Lazzari 2013). tainable development that integrates geological knowledge The co-existing of geologically interesting and impressive with local culture. In fact, one of the main goals of UNE- landscapes, together with historical and cultural values, can SCO Global Geoparks is to provide integrated sustainable surely improve the experience of tourists, thus increasing development for the direct benefit of its local population. the geotouristic potential of sites and their effectiveness in Promotion and transmission of traditional knowledge, valori- engaging the public (Brandolini et al. 2011; Guerra and Laz- sation of local products, development of respectful outdoor zari 2021). Based on these premises, we have developed the pre- sent work, where we present the inventory and quantitative This article is part of the Topical Collection on The Oxford assessment of seven geosites located in the higher sectors Geoheritage Virtual Conference: Reshaping discourse in a time of of the Senatello, Tiber and Marecchia river valleys, the last social distancing also known as Valmarecchia, between Emilia-Romagna and Toscana regions (Fig. 1), aimed to enhance the geotouristic * Veronica Guerra v.guerra1@campus.uniurb.it potential of this sector of northern Apennines and propose a different reading and interpretation of the territorial val- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University ues, to increase the local tourist attraction by enhancing the of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, via Ca’ le Suore 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, geotourism proposal. Italy 2 In this area, geological and geomorphological heritage, CNR ISPC, C/da S. Loja Zona Industriale, together with the historical, cultural and religious heritage, 85050 Tito Scalo (PZ), Italy Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 97 Page 2 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 1 Geographic location of the study area produces a complex cultural landscape sometimes expressed region), close to Toscana and Marche region boundaries, through monumental and massive examples, and other times in a scarcely populated territory of the Northern Apennines through hidden or invisible points of interest, which have the (Fig. 2). Balze toponym probably derives from balzo, which potential to bring visitors into a journey through time. The means jump and represents the cliffs towering over the vil- landscape is impressive, and together with the important lage (Fig. 3). historical and cultural values, it will indeed represent a key It is located in the higher portion of the Marecchia river aspect of the visitors’ experience. valley, close to its springs. This area of the village and its The study area includes three protected sites (SIC- surroundings embody the unique geological context we ZSC IT4080015 Castel di Colorìo, Alto Tevere; SIC-ZSC find in Valmarecchia, and the fact that the same valley has IT4080008 Balze di Verghereto, Monte Fumaiolo, Ripa been serving as a communication route since before roman della Moia; SIC-ZSC IT5180006 Alta Valle del Tevere) and times has enriched it with numerous historical and cultural many geosites have been established in the area by Emilia- aspects. That happened because of favourable conditions Romagna region (Fig. 2). given by the Via Maggio mountain pass, close to the river springs, one of the lowest passes of this Apennine area. It was, in fact, easier to cross and remained accessible in the Cultural Values of Geosites winter months. Travellers from northern Italy (and Europe) could use the Ariminensis road that followed the Marecchia Monumental landforms could be key sites to enhance geo- river from Rimini, on the Adriatic coast, to Arezzo (Tos- heritage values through natural geoheritage, focusing on cana) through the Via Maggio pass, which leads to central geotourism activities and proposals. From a cultural herit- and southern Italy. In Balze di Verghereto, there is a high age point of view, the monumental landforms could indeed potential for geotouristic fruition but low attention on the serve as a canvas to express geological complexity at dif- geological values of the site. In fact, the village is located ferent scales, thus resulting in engaging the viewer not only inside the environmentally protected zone of Mt. Fumaiolo from a notional point of view but also involving the sense of (SIC-ZPS IT4080008). wonder that those landforms induce, such as the case of the Balze village is also crossed by the San Francesco’s route massive cliffs that lean out over Balze village, or the vertical that goes from Rimini to la Verna and has been travelled layers outcropping in between Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. not only by the Saint but also by most of the pilgrims that Faggiola Nuova. would go to la Verna sanctuary. In the Middle Ages, the Balze di Verghereto village is located at the foot of Mt. land featured many castles and fortresses. Uguccione della Fumaiolo, in Forlì-Cesena province (Emilia-Romagna Faggiola was a leader and soldier of fortune (Barbero 2013) 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 3 of 20 97 Fig. 2 Study area and protected zones in the area, and some authors have found in him the Veltro Not far from Balze village, another very important geosite that the poet Dante Alighieri was referring to in the Divina is Vene del Tevere (= Tiber springs), the most abundant area Commedia (Troya 1826, 1856; Balbo 1857). It is also pos- of spring waters marked since the 1930s by a local travertine sible that Dante was hosted in his castles when exiled from column overlooked by a golden eagle. Tiber and Marecchia Florence (Dominici 1959). springs geosites are both deeply linked to the ancient urban set- At the time of Uguccione della Faggiola, there is also a tlements of Rome and Rimini. According to an ancient Roman legend associated with the Senatello springs: it is told that the legend, the name Tiber derives from “Thybris” in memory of running tears of a warrior, who received the pardon of God on Tiberino Silvio, Aeneas’ descendant (Moretti 2014), who died a big rock in the proximity of the springs at the times of Uguc- drowned in its waters. The Tiber has always been considered cione della Faggiola, are still flowing and feeding the river. a historical watercourse, a river–museum. Many other cultural sites express as hidden or invisible heritage, and they have been considered when quantitively From La vena del Senatello e la sua leggenda, an original docu- assessing geoheritage value to the existing geosites. Other than ment by Luigi Dominici (1930 ca.) viewed by courtesy of Luigi Mat- impressive landforms, this area includes important cultural and tei Gentili, direct descendant of the author. 1 3 97 Page 4 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 3 Monumental morphoscu- lptures outcropping above Balze village, highlighted by a line drawing; in red: main fracture system; in black: stratifica- tion; in yellow: blocks prone to rock-falls due to the intersection amongst fracture systems historical values that seem not at all additional to the geo- the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic sides of the chain (Casagli logical ones in terms of the popularisation of the territory. 1994). The watershed line presents a clear deviation from Mt. Fumaiolo, characterised by several natural springs, has the general SE-NW orientation that Lotti (2015) ascribed also been recently led back to the background of la Gioconda to a capture phenomenon carried out by the Tiber river (Borchia and Nesci 2012), where a complex landscape has with regards to the Adriatic rivers (Marecchia and Savio been represented by Leonardo. Their study states that the right rivers). Mt. Fumaiolo complex fits into the outcropping part of the background represents the Marecchia river valley Ligurian Units that fill up the San Piero in Bagno syncline and the massif of Mt. Fumaiolo. (Casagli 1994). Moving south from Balze village, we find another massive The test areas are characterised by extended outcrops of mountain ridge named Alpe della Luna, which hosted many massive allochthonous thrust sheets (known as Valmarec- fights during World War Two (WWII hereafter). The Gothic chia Nappe); they consist of Ligurian and Epiligurian Line passed near the massif, and nowadays there is an associa- Formations that overthrust the Umbro-Marchean autoch- tion that guides tours through the Historical Park of the Gothic thonous Units, drawing a peculiar landscape characterised Line of Badia Tedalda (http://www .par cos toricolin eago tica. it/ by high geodiversity and marked above all by differential en/), thus contributing to an interdisciplinary approach on the erosional landforms cut in various formations (Conti 1990, fruition of the sites. Last but not least, the Tiber river springs 1995; Conti et al. 2016; De Feyter 1991; Bonciani et al. are located in the Mt. Fumaiolo area and have been of funda- 2007; D’Errico et al. 2014; De Capoa et al. 2015 and refer- mental importance in managing the whole Tiberina valley. ences therein). The Valmarecchia Nappe has been widely studied due to its complexity and interesting geological features (Bonarelli 1929; Capozzi et al. 1991; De Donatis Geological Setting 1992; Cerrina Feroni et al. 1997, 2002; Conti et al. 1987; Ricci Lucchi 1986; Selli 1954; Vai and Castellarin 1992; Mt. Fumaiolo represents the highest peak (1406 m a.s.l.) Zattin et al. 2002; Carmignani et al. 2004; Carmignani amongst a restricted mountainous complex that extends for et al. 2013; Cornamusini et al. 2012). approximately 12 km in correspondence of the adminis- The Ligurian and Epiligurian formations deposited trative boundary amongst Toscana, Emilia-Romagna and in different sub-basins have been translated through a Marche regions. This complex belongs to the Apennine structural depression, the “Marecchia line” (Conti 1990), relief system that constitutes the watershed line between orthogonally to the main Apennine tectonic features. The 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 5 of 20 97 Ligurian Units, characterised by Cretaceous argillitic – EPra turbidite sandstones, marlstones, shales and clays, are the principal rocks responsible for translat- breccias: Complesso della Valle del Savio (Middle ing the formations above them, providing a preferential Eocene–Late Oligocene). detachment zone to the migration that occurred during the Miocene uplift of the Apennine chain. Ligurian formations 3. Cervarola-Falterona succession outcrop with the Villa a Radda, Sillano, Argille Varicolori – CFvc—marlstones, silty marlstones and siltstones, and Monte Morello formations, whilst the autochthonous with interbedded sandstones: Vicchio formation substrate is expressed by Marnoso-Arenacea, San Paolo (Miocene: Late Aquitanian–Langhian). marls, Verghereto marls, Villore Varicolored clays and Vicchio formations. 4. CFfa—turbidite sandstones, siltstones, shales and San Marino and Mt. Fumaiolo Epiligurian formations marlstones, with olistostromes: Verghereto Marls (Mt. Fumaiolo mountain range) are represented by shallower (Miocene:Aquitanian–Burdigalian); Villore Varicolored water sediments deposited during the movement towards the Marls (Eocene: Rupelian–Miocene:Aquitanian). Silici- Adriatic front, such as limestones and calcarenites. clastic succession of the inner basin. Cornamusini et al. (2017) proposed a complex mecha- nism for the emplacement of the Valmarecchia Nappe, which – UMgh mudstones with olistostromes, channelled includes a tectonic origin due to the Mt. Nero Thrust and sandstones: San Paolo marls (Late Serravallian–Mid- a submarine gravitational sliding development within the dle Tortonian). foredeep basin. – UMma turbiditic sandstones and siltstones, with Quaternary deposits are represented by alluvial fans and interbedded marlstones, calcarenites and hybrid terraced fluvial deposits (braided streams facies) of Ravenna sandstones: Marnoso-Arenacea formation (Late Subsynthem (upper Pleistocene-Holocene) and Modena Unit Burdigalian–Early Tortonian) (Holocene). Therefore, the geodiversity of this area is induced by the 5. Quaternary continental deposits different outcropping lithotypes, characterised by different – Qa1 alluvial fan and terraced deposits: Ravenna Sub- behaviour to deformation and weathering. synthem (Late Pleistocene–Holocene); Modena Unit In Fig. 4, the geological map of the study area has been (fourth–sixth century AD–present day). redrawn and slightly modified from Conti et al. (2020); the illustrated geological symbology refers to the following geological domains, described in chronological order from Methodology oldest to most recent: In this work, geoheritage investigations have been based on 1. External Ligurian Domain (outer succession) a geomorphological reading of the territory and the analysis of landforms. Geomorphological investigations have been – ELel—helminthoides flysch: limestones, marly lime- made by means of field surveys supported by multi-temporal stones, marlstones and shales: Monte Morello forma- aerial photos analysis and brought to compile the Geomor- tion (Eocene: Ypresian–Lutetian). phological map, according to the indications of ISPRA’s – ELvr—varicoloured shales, siltstones, limestones, guidelines for geomorphological mapping (Campobasso carbonatic sandstones, conglomerates and breccias: et al. 2018). Then, the inventory of geosites and the quanti- Sillano formation (Albian–Ypresian); Villa a Radda tative assessment of the scientific and additional values have formation (Late Cretaceous–Early Eocene); Argille been conducted. Each geosite has been newly investigated Varicolori formation (Early Cretaceous–Eocene_ to better relate the embodied values and express sugges- Ypresian). tions about management and conservation strategies. Geo- touristic trails have been proposed in a Geoheritage map, 2. Epiligurian succession (pre-evaporitic) distinguished by colour based on the main features that can be found on the trek. – EPbs sandstones, calcarenites, claystones, conglom- Mapping has gained a high level of attention in geo- erates, breccias and olistostromes: Monte Fumaiolo heritage research (Regolini-Bissig and Reynard 2010; formation, Monte Aquilone member, della Vetta Fuertes-Gutiérrez and Fernández-Martínez 2012 ; member (Miocene: Late Burdigalian–Serravallian); Comănescu et  al. 2013, 2017; Zwoliński et  al. 2018; San Marino formation (Miocene: Late Burdigalian– Bouzekraoui et al. 2018), and geomorphological mapping Early Langhian). can represent a valuable tool in interpreting the values 1 3 97 Page 6 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 4 Geological map of the study area, redrawn from Conti et al. (2020), coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N. Legend: 1 faults; 2 tectonic contrasts between main tectonic units, thrusts, low-angle normal faults; 3 stratigraphic boundaries; 4 main localities; 5 mountain peaks; geological main suc- cessions: Cervarola-Falterona succession: CFfa turbidite sandstones, siltstones, shales and marlstones, with olistos- tromes; CFvc marlstones, silty marlstones and siltstones, with interbedded sandstones. Exter- nal Ligurian Domain (outer succession): ELel helminthoides flysch: limestones, marly limestones, marlstones, shales; ELvr varicoloured shales, silt- stones, limestones, carbonatic sandstones, conglomerates and breccias Epiligurian succession (pre-evaporitic): EPbs sand- stones, calcarenites, claystones, conglomerates, breccias and olistostromes; EPra turbidite sandstones, marlstones, shales, breccias. Quaternary continental deposits: Qa1 alluvial fan and terraced deposits. Siliciclastic succession of the inner basin: UMgh mudstones with olistos- tromes, channelled sandstones; UMma turbiditic sandstones and siltstones, with interbedded marlstones, calcarenites and hybrid sandstones embedded in the geological landscape in relation to human with the geological map (Fig. 4, redrawn from Conti et al. development through time, thus delivering a full view of 2020) and the available geological and regional geomor- the landscape composition and evolution (Knight et al. phological cartographies (Emilia-Romagna and Toscana 2011; Verstappen 2011; Otto and Smith 2013). Given regions) (Fig. 5) to compile the Geomorphological map of these premises, the geomorphological map of the study the study area (Fig. 6). The hydrographic network has been area has been produced as the first step of the methodol- vectorised after comparing aerial images with the IGM ogy adopted (Fig. 4); field surveys were carried out, sup- Topographic Map of Italy (scale 1:25,000). The DEM used ported by a multi-temporal analysis of aerial photos and as a base is freely available as a 10-m cell size grid (in bibliographical research. The geomorphological data have GeoTIFF format) in the UTM WGS 84 zone 32 projection been georeferenced using the ArcGIS tool and overlapped system (Tarquini et al. 2007). 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 7 of 20 97 Fig. 5 Research methodology flow chart The mapped landforms include stream terraces of – Scientific V alue (Table 2, SV): assessment of criteria IN the Marecchia, Senatello and Tiber rivers; f latirons, (Integrity), RE (representativeness), RA (rareness), PI badlands and mudf lows on argillitic and marly for- (paleogeographic interest). mations and rock falls on the boundaries of the main – Ecological Value (Table  3, EV): arithmetic mean reliefs. amongst criteria EI (Ecological Impact), PS (Protected The scientific and additional values of the geosites Site). were analysed through a Geoheritage assessment, a – Aesthetic Value (Table 3, AV): arithmetic mean amongst topic largely discussed over the last decades in scien- criteria VP (Viewpoints) and CVS (colour contrast, verti- tific literature, where several qualitative and quantita- cal development, space structuration). tive methodologies for assessing geosites and geomor- – Cultural Value (Table  3, CV): highest score amongst phosites have been proposed (e.g., Reynard et al. 2016; RI (Religious Importance), HI (Historical Importance), Mucivuna et al. 2019). AL (Artistic and Literary Importance), EC (Economic The geological and geomorphological heritage of the area Importance). has been inventoried starting from the already catalogued geosites of the Emilia-Romagna region, implemented with According to the authors’ observations, the values were geological didactic points of interest, and with the assess- attributed through a score from 0 to 1. The resulting scores ment of the sites’ value, according to an adapted version of have been summed for each geosite (Table 4) to get a quanti- Reynard et al. (2016). tative expression of their comprehensive quality. The protec- A representative code has been assigned to each geosites, tion status of the geosites is expressed in Table 4, consider- composed of the first three capital letters referring to the ing if they are comprised (entirely or partially) or not inside study area (VMU = Upper Valmarecchia), the following protected SIC-ZPS areas. Both ongoing and needed fields three letters relating to the main process or represented geo- have been ticked in those cases where the geosites reside in type (flv = fluvial, tec = tectonics, mmv = mass movements, a protected area, but more specific protection measurements str = stratigraphy) and finally a progressive number associ- are suggested. A qualitative evaluation of protection has also ated to the process (Table 1). been compiled. The quantitative assessment for the geosites (adopted Finally, the natural landforms have then been associ- from Reynard et al. 2007 and 2016) was conducted regard- ated with historical sites, cultural treks or religious places ing the following values: of interest through the Geoheritage map, produced after 1 3 97 Page 8 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 6 Geomorphological map of the study area, coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N. 1 main localities; 2 mountain peaks; 3 natural spring with additional value; 4 natural spring; 5 hydrographic network; 6 landslide crown (active); 7 landslide crown (relict); 8 landslide crown (undeter- mined); 9 triangular fault facet; 10 badlands; 11 evolving fluvial deposits; 12 terraced fluvial deposits; 13 active landslide; 14 relict landslide; 15 areas of widespread landslides; 16 scree/ talus deposits; 17 slope debris deposits; 18 eluvium-colluvial deposits comparing the geomorphological and additional values of the bridges on Senatello and Marecchia river and the XXII the sites through the quantitative assessment, implemented places of fight have been mapped because they constitute an to set a relation amongst the natural components of the geo- example of how geomorphology interacts with humanity. heritage of the valley and the cultural ones. Many features and objects, even if they are not purely geological, can, in fact, be interpreted as a part of the geological heritage (Wet- Results zel 2002; Erikstad 2013; Gray 2013; Lubova et al. 2013; Bruno et al. 2014), which is true, especially, when archaeo- A Geomorphological map and a Geoheritage map, repre- logical sites are closely linked to the geological environment sented at a 1:75,000 scale, have been carried out to enhance (Moroni 2015). Regarding these aspects, the Laughing stone, peculiar landforms and processes and provide tools for 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 9 of 20 97 Table 1 General data of the geosite inventory Nr Code Name Location Municipality Coordinates/EPSG 32633 Altitude Classification Main features range/m a.s.l 1 VMUflv001 Senatello Senatello Casteldelci 267,226.092263 4,852,059.17847 1048–1353 Local rel- Natural spring, springs springs, (RN) evance pyramidal mount Mt. Aquilone 2 VMUflv002 Marecchia Badia Badia 265,316.196954 4,847,605.95931 918–955 Local rel- Natural spring, springs Tedalda Tedalda evance badlands (AR) 3 VMUflv003 Tiber springs Mt. Fumaiolo Verghereto 265,119.987870 4,852,519.71890 1186–1363 Regional Natural spring pass (FC) relevance 4 VMUtec001 Sant'Alberico Poggio Verghereto 266,304.205165 4,854,050.75742 1010–1310 Local rel- Intra-mountain intra-moun- l’Abetia, (FC) evance basin, deep-seated tain basin Pian del gravitational slope Brigo deformation 5 VMUmmv001 Mt. Fumaiolo Balze, Mt. Verghereto 264,606.754600 4,852,118.84915 1060–1406 Regional Reference area, strati- relief Fumaiolo (FC) relevance graphic succession, rock buttress, mass movement 6 VMUstr001 Casteldelci cliff Casteldelci, Casteldelci 271,675.237914 4,852,894.89966 489–630 Local rel- Cliff, morphosculp- Ripa del (RN) evance ture, stratigraphic Lamento succession 7 VMUstr002 Mt. Faggiola Casteldelci, Casteldelci 269,368.793847 4,853,440.22543 655–1121 Local rel- Fault, morphoscu- Vecchia and Senatello (RN) evance lpture, bedform, Mt. Faggiola stratigraphic suc- Nuova reliefs cession geotouristic fruition and the understanding of geological Geomorphological Map and geomorphological features of this northern Apennines portion. The regional inventory for the geosites has also The lithological differences ensure an exceptionally wide been updated with new observations made on the site and variety of landforms. Limestones and calcarenites react by enhancing geomorphological points of interest. Finally, with a fragile behaviour to structural deformation, produc- the geosites have been assessed with a quantitative evalua- ing rock-falls, toppling and rock pillars on the sides of the tion of the scientific and additional values and a qualitative ridges. On the other hand, clays and marls produce gentle evaluation of protection and management issues. hills or badlands by the effects of linear erosion. Geomor - phology also affected some toponyms in the area, such as Table 2 Scientific v alue assessment Geosite Scientific value (SV) Nr Code Name Integrity Representa- Rareness Paleogeographic Average tiveness interest score 1 VMUflv001 Senatello springs 1 0.75 0.5 0.75 0.75 2 VMUflv002 Marecchia springs 1 1 0.5 0.75 0.81 3 VMUflv003 Tevere springs 1 1 0.5 0.75 0.81 4 VMUtec001 Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin 1 0.5 0.75 1 0.81 5 VMUmmv001 Mt. Fumaiolo relief 1 1 1 0.75 0.94 6 VMUstr001 Casteldelci cliff 1 1 0.5 0.75 0.81 7 VMUstr002 Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola 1 0.75 0.5 0.75 0.75 Nuova reliefs 1 3 97 Page 10 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Table 3 Additional values assessment Geosite Ecological value (EV) Aesthetic value (AV) Cultural value (CV) Nr Code Name EI PS EV VP CVS AV RI HI AL Ec CV 1 VMUflv001 Senatello springs 0.75 0.25 0.5 0 0.83 0.41 0 0 1 0 1 2 VMUflv002 Marecchia springs 0.75 0 0.37 0.25 0.5 0.37 0 1 0 0 1 3 VMUflv003 Tevere springs 0.75 1 0.87 0.5 0.58 0.54 0 1 0 0.5 1 4 VMUtec001 Sant’Alberico's intra-mountain basin 0.75 1 0.87 0.75 0.66 0.7 1 1 1 0.25 1 5 VMUmmv001 Mt. Fumaiolo relief 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0.25 1 6 VMUstr001 Casteldelci cliff 1 0 0.5 1 0.92 0.96 0 0 0 0 0 7 VMUstr002 Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Fag- 0.75 0 0.37 1 0.75 0.87 0 1 1 0 1 giola Nuova reliefs Table 4 Summary table SV EV AV CV Total score Protection status On going Needed Not needed 0.75 0.5 0.41 1 2.66 x x 0.81 0.37 0.37 1 2.55 x 0.81 0.87 0.54 1 3.22 x 0.81 0.87 0.7 1 3.38 x 0.94 1 1 1 3.94 x 0.81 0.5 0.96 0 2.27 x 0.75 0.37 0.87 1 2.99 x in the localities Balze and Sassoni (meaning jump and big topplings in those formations have also occurred in the stone blocks, respectively). past, above all during the last glacial period and in more The geomorphological map outlines the main landforms recent times (i.e. Little Ice Age, Fagan 2001). In fact, of the study area (Fig. 6). This map includes active and inac- in the Romagna-Marche area, there have been several tive landslides and detachment crowns, the hydrographic cold phases in recent historical times, with a consequent network, stream terraces and badlands, deriving from the increase in the diffusion and severity of hydrogeological geomorphological database of the Toscana Region and the instability phenomena (Guerra and Nesci 2013). data of the Emilia-Romagna Region but partially revised in Fluvial morphologies are characterised by braided this work. channels according to hydraulic parameters related to the Regarding the relationship between lithotypes and riverbed slopes (Pizzuto 2011). slope processes, the argillitic and marly lithotypes deposits of the Argille Varicolori, Marne di Vicchio Geosite Inventory and Sillano (SIL) formations favour the development of the typical linear erosional landforms (badlands), dif- The following geosite inventory was partly based on ferential erosional slopes, mudf lows and debris-f lows existing ones, established by the Emilia-Romagna triggering. On the other hand, the areas where Monte region and instituted with the Regional Law No 9/2006. Morello (MLL) formation outcrops are often affected Moreover, a part of the study area that comprises some by solif luction, deep-seated gravitational slope deforma- of the geosites was popularised by the region through tions and rock-slides (active or relict). These phenom- a geothematic map, named “Geo-environmental itiner- ena have been observed in the field and are reported in ary in the Marecchia Valley—discovering Valmarec- Fig.  6, where of interest and according to the selected chia, geodiversity and a unique geological landscape scale. Rock-falls and complex landslides characterise in Romagna”, presented in 2015 and freely available at the arenaceous lithotypes, limestone and cemented con- the source https:// ambie nte. r egio ne. emilia- r omagna. it/ it/ glomerates, such as the San Marino or Monte Fumaiolo geologia/ g eologia/ g eositi- paesa ggio- g eologico/ itine r ari/ formations, with the development of the main ridges, Itine rari- valle- Marec chia/, from which the Uguccione vertical cliffs and rock pillars (Fig. 7). Rock-falls and trail has been inspired. 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 11 of 20 97 Fig. 7 Geosites and points of interest examples: a Sas- soni locality; b monumental landforms near Balze village; c surface karst evidences and Senatello springs (VMUflv001); d monumental landforms near Balze village; e Balze cliff 1. Senatello springs (VMUflv001)—this geosite encloses 2. Marecchia springs (VMUflv002)—the springs of the the areas of Mt. Aquilone and Poggio del Passino Marecchia river are located at 1263 m a.s.l. in Forconaia reliefs, from which the Senatello river springs. The locality (Pratieghi, Arezzo province, Toscana), along a water source is enclosed by a capture work dating valley that deepens on the eastern side of Poggio Cast- back to 1920 that initially diverted the flow towards agnolo, at a short distance from the top of Mt. della the Savio valley, whilst today it supplies the residen- Zucca, a mountainous complex formed by the Marnoso- cies of the Senatello valley. A small fountain is located Arenacea formation and covered by beech trees (Albini underneath the road next to the catchment and a short 2012). The Marecchia is a torrential river that collects distance away is the “overflow” of the spring, consist- the waters from the Viamaggio watershed (Castello di ing of a copious outflow that testifies the extraordi- Ranco locality). When rising the Marecchia valley, close nary flow of the water veins. The spring is situated at to the main Apennine ridge, it is possible to find the the base of the southern slope of Mt. Aquilone, at the confluence of two branches of water of similar value: geological contact between the rocks that constitute the Presale creek, which originates at the foot of the Mt. Aquilone and the clayey Ligurian units that lie Alpe della Luna ridge, heading south, and the Marecchia below. Mt. Aquilone is in fact composed of the lime- river, whose course bends westwards into a wide head, stones of San Marino formation, topped by the sand- beyond which the upper Tiber valley opens up. Along stones of Mt. Fumaiolo formation (Conti 1989), both this watershed, the landscape allows grasping the differ - made highly permeable by a dense network of frac- ent rocky units. The marly rocks of the Vicchio forma- tures and resting on the impermeable clayey rocks of tion (De Donatis 1992), light grey in colour, are imme- the Ligurian units (Villa a Radda and Monte Morello diately evident and exposed in the gully incisions that formations). The fractured limestone acts as a large interrupt the meadows and become badlands. Here, veg- storehouse of water, where filtration leads to the for - etation is fragile; the juniper is a sign of poorly evolved mation of an aquifer in contact with the impermeable and difficult to colonise soil; black pine reforestations Ligurian clays. Intercepted by the surface, this contact are evident on the margins and constitute an exotic spe- returns the spring water. The entire mountain complex cies that has been used in historic times to stabilise the between Mt. Aquilone and Mt. Fumaiolo is charac- slopes with little soil thickness. The ridge from which terised by this geological structure and is very rich in Poggio Tre Vescovi rises and the surrounding areas are water and thus water springs. characterised by the outcropping of Ligurian units of 1 3 97 Page 12 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 the Valmarecchia nappe. Access to the site is of medium della Briglia di S. Alberigo. Accessibility to the site is difficulty. easy. 3. Tiber springs (VMUflv003)—the Tiber river originates 6. Casteldelci cliff (VMUstr001)—the Marnoso-Arenacea from two spring areas (Di Matteo et al. 2017; Maccari Formation (Capozzi et al. 1991; Bonciani et al. 2007; 2005) located along the northern slope of Mount Fuma- De Capoa et al. 2015) emerges along the left bank of iolo, known in past times as Fiumaiolo (from Italian the Senatello river with excellent exposure, showing an word fiume, meaning river), at 1268 m a.s.l. almost perfectly horizontal stratification. The Marnoso- 4. Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin (VMUtec001)— Arenacea formation is expressed here as the Member Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin is located at the bot- of the Hill, a pelitic-arenaceous lithofacies marked by tom of a large trench in the NE slopes of Mt. Fumaiolo, intercalation of sandstones in thin and medium beds, at elongated in a SW-NE direction and enclosed between times thick and thick, with an A/P ratio of less than 1/5, slopes formed by the limestone of San Marino formation and shows a sub-horizontal layering of the stratification. (Conti et al. 2016). This sub-flat area was called La Cella Morphosculptures mark the outcrop due to erosive selec- di Sant’Alberico (= St. Alberico’s cell) in ancient maps, tion of the arenaceous and marly layers, which created a and Cella in the toponymy of CTR maps. It is located at the stairway between the base and the top of the Ripa, called bottom of a tectonic trench 700–800 m wide and extended Ripa del Lamento (= Cliff of Lamentation) in the local in the SW-NE direction for more than 4 km, enclosed tongue. Direct access to the site is difficult, but it is pos- between the steep wooded slopes of Pian del Brigo and sible to have a clear view of the cliff from the main road Croce della Costa to the South, and by pyramidal reliefs, system. including Poggio l’Abetia. The Pietricci ditch flows into the 7. Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola Nuova reliefs intra-mountain basin to the south, without exit, whilst in (VMUstr002)—along the ridge between Mt. Faggiola the same direction (along the same fault line?), the Parella Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola Nuova, the geometrical rela- ditch comes out of the plain. The reliefs are formed by tionships between the Valmarecchia nappe and the rocks limestones of the San Marino formation (biocalcarenitic on which it has been placed during orogenesis, consti- member of San Alberico formation) and by the sandstones tuted here of the Marnoso-Arenacea formation, can be of Mt. Fumaiolo formation. These units rest on the Mel- observed in an exemplary manner (Conti 1989). All the ange of the Savio Valley. Saint Alberico’s Hermitage and geological units involved show very intense deforma- La Cella points of interest (R1 and R2) are located in the tions, appreciable from different perspective points. area of the geosite. Accessibility to the site is easy. In the area, the layers of Marnoso-Arenacea forma- 5. Mt. Fumaiolo relief (VMUmmv001)—extensive rocky tion show evident changes in their position, drawing a buttress along which sandstones of Mt. Fumaiolo forma- particular synclinal fold, which develops close to the tion outcrop on the western and southern slopes, where tectonic contact (a relaxing fault) between the blanket it constitutes the reference area for the formation (Amo- and the Marnoso-Arenacea. In the area surrounding Mt. rosi 1992; Conti 1989; De Capoa et al. 2015). One can Faggiola Nuova, the landscape presents clear changes observe the passage to the San Marino formation along in morphology and plant cover, drawing neat passages the southernmost wall. Towards NO, large boulders between wide areas marked by soft morphologies and mobilised by the rock-debris layer mark the surface of covered by grasslands and much steeper slopes covered a landslide. In the area known as I Sassoni (= big stone by woodland. Moving towards the summit, it is possible blocks), large rocky boulders are located on the surface to walk on the contact between the Ligurian Units and of the slope, below the rocky outcrop. These large blocks the Marnoso-Arenacea formation, which presents itself fell from the cliff and were originally part of the detritus with the upturned stratification, immerging towards the layer mobilised at the head of an active and quiescent west. Going along the ridge in the direction of Mt. Fag- landslide, characterised by a complex movement devel- giola Nuova, one can walk on the verticalised layers of oped in the clayey units below. The toponym Fumaiolo the Marnoso-Arenacea formation with the possibility of can derive Fiumaiolo (from fiume, meaning river) for observing a didactic example of selective erosion: the the conspicuous springs (Maccari 2005; Di Matteo et al. softer marly layers are more easily eroded by weather- 2016; 2017) that flow along and around its slopes. Natu - ral caves existing in the area have been registered in https:// geo. regio ne. emilia- romag na. it/ carto grafia_ sgss/ user/ viewer. the Cadastre of natural cavities of the Emilia-Romagna jsp? servi ce= grotte region. They have been included in the map, although https:// geo. regio ne. emilia- romag na. it/ schede/ speleo/ index. jsp? id= public access to natural cavities is generally forbidden and always subject to specific regulation. The two caves 4 https:// geo. regio ne. emilia- romag na. it/ schede/ speleo/ index. jsp? id= are named Buca del Diavolo di Verghereto and Pozzo 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 13 of 20 97 ing, whilst the arenaceous ones, much more tenacious, evolving geomorphological features about different envi- form protruding cornices moulded into aligned pinna- ronmental conditions. cles that produce the typical sawtooth morphologies. – Balze (G7) shows a didactic example of differential ero- Access to the site is of medium difficulty. sion on the massive outcrop towering over the village. – Surface karst evidences (G8) occur most notably in Moreover, a series of additional geological points of inter- the area located east of Balze village, where they are est have been investigated and highlighted in the Geoherit- enhanced by vegetational patterns that highlight the main age map to enable visitors to find specific sites representing fractures of the boulders situated there. the values embedded in the different geosites or other pecu- – Verticalized layers (G9) inside a massive Marnoso-Aren- liarities. The points have been distinguished through a code acea formation outcrop, where the process of differential that expresses their Geological value (G1, G2…), Historical erosion stands out in the hillside, constituting a potential value (H1, H2…, or WW1, WW2… for the XX century didactic geomorphosite, a place where to observe and historical sites) or Religious value (R1, R2). touch by hand those geological phenomena that influ - Geological points of interest are the following: enced today’s landscape. – The Cliff of Lamentation (G10) is a didactic outcropping – Intra-mountain structural basin (G1) – the point of inter- that embodies geological and geomorphological con- est is located at the bottom of the large sub-flat tectonic cepts such as sedimentation processes, river cutting and trench area on Mt. Fumaiolo, elongated in a SW-NE past tectonics; the point is included in Casteldelci cli ff direction for more than 4  km, enclosed between the (VMUstr001) geosite, which catches the visitor’s atten- slopes formed by limestones of San Marino formation. tion with its impressing scenery. The outcrop emerges – Pozzo della Briglia di Sant’Alberico (G2) and Buca del from the Senatello riverbed and shows the undeformed Diavolo di Verghereto (G6) are the two caves registered horizontal setting of the Marnoso Arenacea formation in the Cadastre of natural cavities of Emilia-Romagna layers. region. – Santa Maria in Sasseto palaeosurface (G11, 768 m – Sassoni (G3, = big stone blocks) is a locality in the prox- a.s.l.) is a f lat terrace on the Marecchia valley, a imities of Mt. Fumaiolo, possibly named after the pres- planation surface resulting from the subsequent ero- ence of massive boulders (Repetti 1841), detached from sive and denudation phases of the uplifted Apennine the massif above because of important rock-falls. mountains during ancient stationing of the local base – Tiber waterfalls (G4) site shows a typical example of levels of erosion (Guerra and Lazzari 2020). Uplift how those landforms represent the extreme manifesta- and the emergence of the Apennines were accompa- tion of a knickpoint/channel gradient steepening (Goudie nied by the progressive establishment of a dynamic 2020). equilibrium between erosion and deposition rates, – The toponym Laghi (G5), associated with Fosso dei also linked to the different climatic phases that have Laghi (= lakes creek), a minor watercourse in the area, occurred over time (Cyr and Granger 2008). In addi- is possibly related to a sub-flat portion of the territory tion, a Historical value has been associated with the where lakes could have possibly existed in past times. site thanks to the discovery of artefacts that testify It is found at 1210 m a.s.l. on the southern cliff of Mt. roman and mediaeval population of the site (see Ugu- Fumaiolo, west of Balze village. This site indicates the ccione trail). possible location of a palaeo or archaeolake, whose for- – Colorìo badlands (G12) are located along the right side mation should be related to the complex faults’ system of of the Tiber river, on Poggio della Croce mountainous Mount Fumaiolo formation calcareous banks in associa- slopes, and develop on arenitic-pelitic turbidites of the tion with a high level of saturation of the aquifer. Borchia Marnoso Arenacea formation (Montecoronaro member), and Nesci (2012) also suggested a lake located in the with an A/P ratio < 1/6. Arenites are finely stratified and proximities of Senatello spring, included in the land- consist of fine brownish sands, whilst the pelitic portions scape portraited by Leonardo da Vinci as a background consist of grey marly siltstones. Visibility to the point of for la Gioconda. This last lacustrine testimony should interest is optimal from Castello di Colorìo mountain hut, be related to the generalised tendency of accumulating a former farmhouse that was part of the Faggiola’s Castle precipitated rain and snow at the foot of the cliffs, which of Colorìo. Two basement rooms and the cistern of the is a direct consequence of the geological setting of the fortress are located on the small hill above the hut. outcropping lithotypes (argillitic clays lying underneath – The Laughing stone (G13) is a curious rock boulder iso- highly fractured calcareous massifs), and testimonies the lated inside the woods, where a human profile has been 1 3 97 Page 14 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 shaped by erosion. Honeycomb weathering is particularly Moreover, several water springs have been highlighted in developed and represents a rare case in the study area. the map, with a particular reference to the ones that convey associated additional values. The Tiber (S1) and Marecchia Historical points of interest include a bridge on the Sena- (S4) springs have an associated historical value as the major tello river, a ruinated bridge on the Marecchia river, ancient cities or respectively Rome and Rimini enjoyed favourable castle sites and several places of fight related to World War conditions for the human settlement due to the presence II. These last are due to the presence of the Gothic Line of of the rivers. The Senatello spring (S2) has an associated Badia Tedalda in the southern portion of the study area. The cultural value due to the warrior’s legend in oral and writ- highlighted Historical points of interest are the following: ten traditions (see Senatello springs geosite description). A Faggiola Vecchia castle site (H1), Uguccione castle ruins sulphurous spring (S3) is located in the proximities of the (H2), Mediaeval bridge on the Senatello river (H3), Pes- village of Colorìo and has an associated value due to the caia (H4), Le Ripe (H5), Colorìo castle ruins (H6), Roman sulphur presence. Lastly, two more springs (S5 and S6) have bridge ruins on the Marecchia river (H7), Fragheto (WW1), been found thanks to historical written and oral testimonies Mt. Castagnolo military posts (WW2), Pratieghi (WW3), and fieldwork and have been related to Dante’s presence in Mt. della Zucca military posts (WW4), Caprile military these lands, well remembered by local tradition. posts (WW5), Valdazze (WW6), Mt. Faggiola military posts (WW7), Mt. Botolino military posts (WW8), Rofelle Dante’s Higher and Lower Spring (WW9) and Sasso di Cocchiola military posts (WW10). Two Religious points of interest have been identified in A local tradition associates the village of Pratieghi with the the St. Alberico hermitage site (R1), still active today, that passage of the poet Dante Alighieri. The inhabitants still dates back approximately to the eleventh century AD, and say that Dante used to refresh himself in a nearby spring, as La Cella (R2), known in past times as “Cella San Joannes humble as those of the Marecchia river, not far from it. This inter ambas Paras”. It is believed that St. Alberico hermit- spring had been identified in the 1950s in a site not far from age was initially founded by Saint Romualdo, founder of the driveway, and road signs had been placed leading to it, the Camaldolese congregation, who lived in the tenth cen- with obvious tourist purposes. Today, only rusty fragments tury. St. Alberico was presumably a hermit who followed of those signs remain and are dislocated from their original St. Romualdo’s teachings, although his life is scarcely docu- location. This point has been highlighted as S6 (Fig. 8). Still, mented and mainly linked to oral tradition. It is believed that the position does not respect the one described by historical Alberico built his first shelter as a cell and two caves inside sources (Dominici 1959), which refer to it as being about the rocks, where he lived in penance and holiness, perform- halfway between Pratieghi and Colorìo Castle, not far from ing miracles and healing abdominal diseases and hernias. the source of the Marecchia river. Going up the stream from La Cella site hosts a monastery founded by St. Romualdo the lower spring, one comes to an area of long-stemmed in the tenth century (Dominici 1959) in between Parella trees cultivation, where minor creeks start accumulating (NW) and Para creeks (SE, Savio river tributary), and this precipitated water. Going further up towards the ridge, one characteristic originated its ancient name “Cella San Joannes encounters a very small vein of water, which seems to feed inter ambas Paras”, meaning precisely in between the Paras. the streams, albeit sparsely. Dante’s higher spring has been A water spring and a boulder located outside the hermit- identified in this minor vein (S5, Fig.  8) as a possible loca- age are still considered thaumaturgical today in relation to tion for the original water source. the Saint. Both R1 and R2 sites are related to St. Franc- It is reasonable to think that morphological modifications esco’s journeys and have been frequented by him and many and lowering of the water table almost extinguish the spring. pilgrims. These sites, in particular, convey several values (geomorpho- A monumental beech tree is located near Saint Alberico logical, hydrological, historical, cultural) that could be the hermitage (T1, Faggio di Sant’Alberico), as evidenced in starting point of a reflection about how to manage similar the map and several other significant examples of the same examples of geomorphosites, to get to an integrated valori- species that gave the name to Poggio Sette Faggi (= hillock sation of the natural sites that convey cultural and historical of the seven beeches, T2). strong values. Historical watermills that can be found numerously in the Marecchia valley and mostly date back to the eighteenth and Geosites Quantitative Assessment nineteenth centuries have also been highlighted. Following the qualitative and quantitative methodology for assessing geomorphosites proposed by Reynard et al. (2016), 5 it was possible to associate a score to each geosite for the Source: http:// www. fumai olotu rismo. it/-/ vergh ereto- eremo- di- sant- Scientific value (Table  2), Ecological value (EV), Aesthetic alber ico- abbaz ie 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 15 of 20 97 Fig. 8 Marecchia springs (S4) and Dante’s higher (S5) and lower springs (S6) on Dante’s trail, in the surroundings of Pra- tieghi village; coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N value (AV) and Cultural value (CV), as summarised in limestones above clayey and marly lithotypes and have an Table  3, to verify the hierarchy of the total values of the average value of, respectively, 0.64 and 0.75. geosites also according to their protection and conservation Cultural Value (Table 3) is expressed with the criteria priority (Table 4). Religious Importance, Historical Importance, Artistic and For the scientific value assessment, all geosites have Literary Importance and Economical Importance. Because retained their integrity, with a score of 1 (Table 2). Their the CV is defined not as an arithmetical mean but as the representativeness is high in relation to Valmarecchia highest value amongst the criteria, all the geosites reach the Epiligurian units (average score of 0.87). Their rareness score of 1 except Casteldelci cliff, in which no relevant cul- is of medium importance if related to the broader geolog- tural features have been detected. The EI of these geosites ical and geomorphological settings of the northern Apen- is negligible: few proper popularisation actions have been nines (average score 0.61). Also, the paleogeographic undertaken, and the area has not been enriched with any interest is high (average score 0.78), with a maximum geotouristic panels; thus, the only income that comes from score in the geosite of Sant’Alberico intra-mountain the geosites is provided by spontaneous fruition of the sites basin. and visits at the historical localities nearby. Ecological Impact (Table 3) is generally high due to the presence of protected species and xerophile environments Geoheritage Map in correspondence to calcareous peaks (average score 0.82). Protected Site values have been assigned as follows: 0 = no We propose a Geoheritage map that conveys the geotouris- protection, 0.25 = a limited portion of the geosite resides in tic sites, such as geosites, geomorphosites and monumental a protected area and 1 = all the extent of the geosite resides landforms, and sites of additional value, like the historical, in a protected area. The Marecchia springs, Casteldelci cultural and religious ones, through a series of trails distin- cliff and Mt. Faggiola Vecchia and Mt. Faggiola nuova guished by the value they convey (Fig. 8). relief areas are not under protection, whilst Tiber springs, In the north-western part of the map, we can see Balze Sant’Alberico intra-mountain basin and Mt. Fumaiolo relief village, crossed by San Francesco’s trail (n. 15 in the map), reside totally in protected areas. Senatello springs’ geosites and starting point of the Springs trail (n. 17) (Fig. 9) that partially reside in a SIC-ZPS protected area, but the springs surrounds Mt. Fumaiolo and brings to Tiber’s spring. In red, themselves are outside this portion. The average score of the we have the Uguccione trail, where one can also find signifi- PS criteria is 0.46. cant geological sites such as the Cliff of Lamentation (G10) Aesthetical Value (Table 3) is expressed as the criteria and Verticalised layers in the Marnoso-Arenacea formation View Points and CVS (Colour contrast, Vertical develop- shaped by erosion (G9). Moving south on the San Franc- ment and Space structuration), which have medium–high esco trail, we cross the Dante trail (n. 19) that overlooks the mean values due to vertical cliffs, high altitude locations, badlands of Colorìo (G12) and includes the ruins of Colorìo 1 3 97 Page 16 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Fig. 9 Geosites and points of interest examples: a Colorìo badlands from Colorìo castle ruins; b Dante lower spring; c Marecchia springs geosite (VMUflv002); d Mt. Fumaiolo (VMUmmv001) and Casteldelci cliff (VMUstr001) geosites; e Casteldelci cliff (VMUstr001) and Santa Maria in Sasseto paleosurface castle (H6), a curious calcarenite rock locally known as the – Uguccione trail (n. 16) enables visitors to relive the Laughing Stone (G13), and the springs of Marecchia river places and landscapes that the historic figure attended (S4). Then we propose two trails towards WWII places of and shared with Dante by touching several geological and fight and a separate ring path that goes deeply into Gothic cultural points of interest such as the Faggiola Vecchia Line–related sites and includes the ruins of a Roman bridge castle site (H1), Verticalized layers in the Marnoso-Aren- upon the Marecchia river (H7) (Fig. 10). acea formation (G9), Uguccione castle ruins on Mt. Fag- giola Nuova (thirteenth to fifteenth century AD according Itineraries to Sacco 2010, H2), Cliff of Lamentation (G10), Mulino del Rio, a Mediaeval bridge (named Ponte Vecchio, Several itineraries have been mapped to allow visitors to meaning old bridge, and built where a previous wooden reach the highlighted geosites and geological, historical bridge of roman age was located, H3) and the Molino and religious points of interest. Some of them are based on di Castello in Casteldelci village, the site of the Roman existing and well-signed trails, but some portions have been necropolis of Pescaia (second to third century AD , H4) traced on more challenging paths that require a good level and the church of Santa Maria in Sasseto, attested since of trekking and orientation skills. For these reasons, this the twelfth century, rebuilt in the sixteenth century and article should be considered a starting point for building restored in the nineteenth century; frescos inside the tailor-made itineraries based on consulting appropriate trail church have been dated back to 1559 and 1569. The flat maps and hiker portals. Santa Maria in Sasseto palaeosurface (G11) is a scenic point of view on the Senatello and Marecchia valley; the – St. Francesco trail (n. 15) is part of a much longer trail site of Le Ripe (= the cliffs, H5) stands out to the east and named San Francesco’s trail from Rimini to La Verna artefacts of the Iron age and roman age have been found that goes from the Adriatic town to the Saint’s sanctuary, (Ermeti and Sacco 2007). located in Arezzo province. The trail is based on histori- – Springs trail (n. 17) crosses numerous Fumaiolo contact cal records or cultural evidences of the Saint’s journey springs, originated from water accretion in permeable and has been recently developed with a touristic approach and receiving a positive response from local and national authorities. Source: TourER, web portal of Emilia-Romagna region cultural heritage. https:// www. tourer. it/ mappa? lang= en 1 3 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Page 17 of 20 97 Fig. 10 Geoheritage map of the study area, coordinate system WGS84, UTM 33 N. 1 Geologi- cal point of interest; 2 Historical point of interest; 3 twentieth century point of interest; 4 Reli- gious point of interest; 5 natural spring with additional value; 6 natural spring; 7 historical watermill; 8 TourER protected buildings; 9 monumental trees; 10 main localities; 11 mountain peaks; 12 SIC-ZPS protected areas; 13 Local relevance geosites; 14 Regional relevance geosites; Itineraries: 15 St. Francesco trail; 16 Uguccione trail; 17 Springs trail; 18 Alta Via dei Parchi trail; 19 Dante trail; 20 WWII trails; 21 Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda position; 22 Hydrographic network formations (San Marino and Monte Fumaiolo forma- – The trail named Alta Via dei Parchi (also known as AVP, tions) overlying a relatively impermeable bedrock (Ligu- n. 18) runs along the Apennine ridge between Emilia- rian Units). Part of the trail retraces St. Francesco’s trail, Romagna, Toscana and Marche regions. It crosses two and the points of interest that can be observed during the national Parks, five regional and one interregional Park. trek are the following (starting point from Balze village, The path is about 500 km long, and it is divided into 27 clockwise): Balze (G7), Buca del Diavolo di Verghereto stages, two of which cross the study area (25th and 26th (G6), Laghi (G5), Tiber falls (G4), Tiber springs (S1), stage). Sassoni (G3), Intra-mountain structural basin (G1), – Dante trail (n. 19) has been traced in a possible location La Cella (R2), Surface karst evidences (G8), Senatello that could link the Faggiola castle site to Colorìo and Pra- spring (S2). tieghi, and on the trail is located a panoramic view on the 1 3 97 Page 18 of 20 Geoheritage (2022) 14: 97 Colorìo badlands (G12), the Colorìo castle ruins (H6), test-area for a new fruition model based on mutual influ- the Laughing stone (G13), Mt. Castagnolo military post ences amongst natural and anthropic processes. To do (WW2), the Marecchia springs (S4) and Dante highER this, we propose trails that cross the geological and the (S5) and lower spring (S6, Fig. 6). additional values that can improve viewers’ experience, – The WWII trails (n. 20) enable visitors to touch historical engaging them in multiple ways. points of interest related to the World War II Gothic Line Acknowledgements The work is part of a Ph.D. research project (also known as Pisa-Rimini line), a German defensive in progress at the University of Urbino. We kindly thank MiBACT, line of the Italian Campaign that passed in the southern- Emilia-Romagna Region, Toscana Region and Rimini SITUA for most portion of the study area. These particular trails directly or openly providing useful data and Luigi Mattei Gentili, Ivano Sensi and Doriano Pela for the precious tips and suggestions. All pho- can be enriched moving towards a Geo-historical Route tographs and pictures in this paper are the authors’ property. inside the Historical Park of the Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda, enhancing both historical and geomorphologi- Funding Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di cal characteristics that led to the specific location of the Urbino Carlo Bo within the CRUI-CARE Agreement. Points of Interest. Declarations Discussion and Conclusions Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests. This research aims to enhance the geological and geomor- Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attri- bution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adapta- phological heritage through actions, such as census of exist- tion, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long ing geosites; quantitative assessment of their scientific and as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, additional values through an internationally recognised provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes method (Reynard et al. 2016) and production of material were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated related to the geological heritage. otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in These actions are to be understood as a base of helpful the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not information to activate value processes at the territory level, permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will which allow the improvement of geotouristic enhancement. need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://cr eativ ecommons. or g/licen ses/ b y/4.0/ . The authors propose to act first of all by raising the aware- ness of local authorities and associations active in the area regarding geological issues, aiming to include the itineraries of this research in a tourist offer for a non-expert public. In References the same way, training sessions focused not only on the sci- entific but also on the additional values of the geosites could Albini D (2012) Valmarecchia: dalla sorgente a Ponte Messa. be organised for Environmental Hiking Guides who already Guaraldi Ed, p 196 carry out their activities in the study area. Amorosi A (1992) Correlazioni stratigrac fi he e sequenze deposizionali nel Miocene epiligure delle Formazioni di Bismantova, S. Marino The Geoheritage map could inspire the planning of the- e M. Fumaiolo (Appennino settentrionale). Giornale di Geologia, matic hikes, or the production of information brochures, to 54(1):95–105 be proposed in the Pro Loco or Informative Points of the Balbo C (1857) Vita di Dante Alighieri. Unione tipografico-editrice area and to accommodation and hospitality agencies on a torinese. Le Monnier Ed Barbero A (2013) I signori condottieri. In: Signorie cittadine broader scale. nell'Italia comunale, Italia comunale e signorile; 1. Viella Ed. 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Journal

Geoheritage – Springer Journals

Published: Sep 1, 2022

Keywords: Geosite; Geodiversity; Geomorphology; Geoheritage assessment; Georoutes; Geotourism

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