The Pietraporciana Nature Reserve covers the summit of the northern slope of the homonymous hill (847 meters above sea level), part of the ridge that separates the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana, connecting further south with Mount Cetona. Here, an unusual low-altitude beech forest thrives, benefiting from the coolness and humidity that dominate the upper part of the northern slope of Pietraporciana Hill, shaded by the limestone cliffs that emerge at the summit. The beeches were objects of veneration, and the fact that they have been miraculously preserved to this day may stem from some ancient cult practice. From the summit meadow, near the “Bruco” cave, a vast panorama can be enjoyed, covering the entire Perugia area, including Lake Trasimeno, the Val di Chiana as far as Arezzo and beyond, Chianti, the Metalliferous Hills, the Val d’Orcia, Mount Amiata, Radicofani, and even the Terni area.
