Discover Acqualagna: Nature, History and Truffles

For planning a trip, Acqualagna brings together nature, cultural history and truffle-related attractions. The Gola del Furlo, archaeological finds, contemporary art, and museums dedicated to Enrico Mattei and truffles offer a range of different experiences. If you are looking for a hotel in Acqualagna, it is worth deciding first what you would like to focus on: should the landscape take centre stage, or are you more interested in collections and local culture? This lets you choose your destination based on specific interests before comparing hotel offers.

Landscapes and Trails at the Gola del Furlo

The Gola del Furlo is a gorge between Monte Pietralata (889 m) and Monte Paganuccio (976 m). It was formed by the erosive force of the Candigliano, a tributary of the Metauro. The Gola del Furlo State Nature Reserve covers 3,600 hectares and includes forests, pastures and unspoilt peaks.

The nature reserve’s official hiking and cycling map (2019 edition) lists the Anello del Pietralata circular cycling route, which is 18.9 kilometres long with an elevation gain of about 650 metres. It also shows the Sentiero 449 hiking trail, from Passo del Furlo via Fosso del Ri to the Rifugio del Furlo; it is 2.5 kilometres long. This gives you a choice of two different tour formats: a cycling loop and a hiking trail, each with a published route length. If you are interested in observing nature, the trails in the Gola del Furlo also offer opportunities for birdwatching. The map is from the 2019 edition; check local trail conditions before setting out.

Roman History and Museums

The Roman history of the Gola del Furlo includes a 38.3-metre-long tunnel on the Via Flaminia. It was called “petra pertusa” or “forulus”. The Antiquarium Pitinum Mergens houses archaeological finds from excavations in the area of the Roman settlement of Pitinum Mergens, and also has a contemporary art section. Roman settlement history and contemporary art are thus presented as distinct museum themes.

The birthplace of Enrico Mattei, Casa Natale E. Mattei, is the first museum in Italy dedicated to him. It preserves his personal belongings, including an intact desk, his glasses, reading materials, a cigarette case and fishing gear. The collection thus combines the museum’s biographical focus with specific items from Mattei’s personal possessions.

Truffles and Regional Cuisine

The Museo del Tartufo di Acqualagna offers an immersive experience centred on truffles. It includes scent cards and food and wine tastings. In addition to exploring truffles, the museum’s experience also engages visitors’ senses of smell and taste.

Truffles also have a strong connection to the Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve: truffle cultivation and gathering are protected and promoted there. The area is also home to one of Italy’s oldest truffle foundations. The museum and the nature reserve offer different perspectives—one through its immersive experience, the other through the protected and promoted truffle tradition.

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