The Study Centre of Beatrice of Pian degli Ontani and the Folk Museum of the Pistoia Apennines in Rivoreta: Opened in 1972, the “Study Centre of Beatrice” (in Piazza Acerone, Pian degli Ontani) promotes the awareness and importance of Beatrice Bugelli (1803-1885), shepherd poetess. The conditions of life and mentality of the mountain inhabitants are thoroughly documented in the Museum of Rivoreta, through a representation including objects, pictures, sounds and arts & crafts. The museum is suitable for the visually impaired, and encourages one to experience the “manual” dimension of life typical in societies that preceded the industrial revolution, where people had to think using their hands. Inside the Museum there is also a Toy Workshop, where visitors can test their handy-work and have fun experimenting using basic tools and materials. The visit to the Museum is part of the Daily Life tour provided by the Eco-museum of the Mountain of Pistoia. Every year, during the “Fiera dei Saperi- or Fair of Knowledge” and “Giornata del Museo Vivente – Celebration of the living museum” in June and July, it resurrects old trades, technical knowledge and uses of the lifestyle of the Mountain.

Forestry Botanic Gardens in Abetone: Created in 1987 thanks to the collaboration between the mountain communities, the TuscanUniversities, the National Forrest Guards and the Regional Forrest Guards.
Established to improve the knowledge of the local fauna, which is typical of the high Pistoia Apennines and also for research purposes, the gardens include a large wooded area, made up from some original Apennine forest and, in the remaining part, a rock garden and small lake. Educational activities are carried out in the open air here or in the education centre of Fontana Vaccaia. For information contact Ufficio Cultura della Provincia di Pistoia (Cultural Office of the Province of Pistoia). Phone: 0573 974676 or 0573 60363; www.provincia.pistoia.it/ecomuseo.

Prato Bellincioni: This is a suggestive natural terrace on the slopes of Mount Caligi. You can find a picnic table and barbeque area, which makes it a great resting place. To the left you can see the Mesozoic Calcareous Reliefs of the Val di Lima and of the Penna di Lucchio and Mount Memoriante; directly opposite a view on the left side of Balzo Nero, and farther away, the stretching fields of Prato Fiorito which dominate the Lima valley; to the right the triangular outline of Mount Rondinaio.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): Golden Eagles often soar with their long, large wings slightly uplifted at the tips. This gives a very notable outline with its tail fanned out. Up to 85cm long, and a wingspan up to 3-metres wide, these very large raptors display the golden nape of their namesake in all plumages. Their graceful and smooth flight is interrupted by a sharp powerful dive to take its prey

The “Torre del Fattucchio”: : A suggestive natural sandstone tower (macigno), a few dozen metres in height, which dominates the Sestaione valley. Surrounded by beech plants and striking sandstone ledges of which it was once part, it has some gorges used as shelter by roe deer and goats. The legend tells that a treasure was buried and protected by elves, and a wicked spell shall be cast on whoever tries to find it.

“The Clock”: To the left of the Fattucchio Tower a wide canyon tracks its way down from the crest of Mount Cardoso, carving out the striking sandstone ledges which, being relatively flat, break the smooth slope of the mountain. During the day shadows dance on the bare faces of the mountain giving colour and creating a kind of natural sundial. So don’t be surprised when you ask the time if the person turns to look at the valley!