Special Nature Reserve of Valle Andona, Val Botto and Valle Grande (Valleandona) - Piemonte Feel

Nature parks

Special Nature Reserve of Valle Andona, Val Botto and Valle Grande (Valleandona)

Category: Parks

Asti

This Nature Reserve is located to the west of Asti and is made up of several territories; it is also one of the few Italian Reserves established to protect the palaeontological heritage. In the sedimentary layers that jut out along the faces of the valleys are, in fact, fossils dating back to the Pliocene (5-1,8 million years ago). These fossils are a memento of the time when the sea used to occupy the Pianura Padana (Plain of the Po) up as far as the alpine arc. Among the fossils unearthed are hundreds of species of molluscs, brachiopods, corals, echinoids, arthropods and rare bone remains of sea mammals. In 1993, in a neighbouring area, the fossil of a seven metre long rorqual was also found. Although the slopes of the hills used to be cultivated with vineyards, the woods have now taken this area back, and have filled it with false acacias, hornbeams and pedunculate oaks. The undergrowth is home to hazel trees, spindle trees, honeysuckles and old man´s beards.

Information

Area: 297 hectares
Elevation: 140 - 256 metres above sea level
Established: 1985
Environment: hilly
E-mail: enteparchi@parchiastigiani.it
www.parchiastigiani.it
Head Office
Località Valleandona, 12 – 14100 Asti
Tel. +39.0141.295288