A route which crosses the Monti Rognosi Nature Reserve up to the Castello di Montauto
Route: DEMANDING
Total height of climb: 380 meters
Distance: 11
Km
Walking time: 3 ½ hours
This walk combines history and nature, starting from the Sovara river, near
'il Conventino', it goes through the Riserva Naturale dei Monti Rognosi (Mangy mountains Nature Reserve), which was established in 1998 and is run by the Provincia di Arezzo. Situated to the north-west of Anghiari, the Reserve runs along the right hand side of the Sovara, and is made up of an extensive group of hills, the highest peak of which reaches 680 metres above sea level. In spite of their name, the Monti Rognosi make up an interesting natural territory characterised by outcrops of distinctive rocks of volcanic origin (ophites).
These rocky formations help to create the characteristically desolate and harsh landscape of these mountains and are the reason for the presence of the special vegetation (gariga, prateria) rich in distinctive species some of which are endemic.
The route continues outside the reserve along the northern slopes of the mountains until it reaches the Castello di Montauto. The ancient castle was once the feudal home of the powerful Counts of Galbino. Only one round tower remains, this having many similarities to the apse of St. Augustine's Church in Anghiari.
The castle was constructed in a dominant position (780 m) and is currently a private house which can be viewed by appointment.
