Monte Pelpi

Monte Pelpi is a mountain 1,495 metres (4,905 ft) high located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in northern Italy. The mountain overlooks the towns of Bedonia to the south and Bardi to the north, and rises like a cone between the Taro, Toncina and Ceno valleys. The vegetation is very diverse with forests consisting of beech, oak, hazel, hornbeam and black aspen and includes rare species of arnicas, orchid, daffodils, gentian, daphne and anemones. The forest gives way to a 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) stretch of grassland at the summit on which stands a large steel cross. It is said that the mountain protects the towns of Bedonia and Compiano from the cold northern winds during winter. The view from this peak exceeds that of the taller Monte Penna nearby and it offers an extraordinary panorama of both valleys and the other peaks of the Liguran-Emilian Apennines, ranging from Monte Penna, Monte Tomarlo, Monte Maggiorasca, Monte Ragola. On clear days it is possible to observe the Mediterranean Sea. Sambuceto and Strela are two small villages that are located along one of the roads that wind across the mountain. The area is notorious for massacres committed by the Nazis during World War II in retaliation for the intense partisan activity. Around Monte Pelpi are the villages of: Ca' Scapini, Farfanaro, Caprile, Costa Agucchia, Pian dell'Asse, Costa di Cereseto, Trario, Pareto di Credarola, Credarola, Granelli, Lago Lobbia, Pilati, Monti, Castagna, Ceio, Libbia, Masanti di Sotto, Masanti di Sopra, Cavignaga, Capella Carpana, Sambuceto, Belli (Hydro Electric Power station.) Pelpi is known for its crystal clear spring water which has an alkaline-sulfurous quality and is renowned for its healing properties. There are many streams that run through the slopes of the mountain, and the mineral water which flows from the north-western slope is bottled in plants at Masanti.

Neighbouring summits