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Park of Pratomarcello - Magra

Includes all the hills that divide the south-eastern waters of the Gulf of La Spezia from the plain of the Magra river which flows through Liguria and the lower and middle course of its main tributary, the river Vara, as far as Ponte Santa Margherita (Saint Margaret Bridge). From Punta Bianca, evocative southern rocky extremity of the Caprione headland, as far as the green valley of the Vara, the Park includes an area of 4320.8 hectares, rich in natural, historical and cultural importance, crossing the boundaries of 18 local government zones: Ameglia, Arcola, Beverino, Bolano, Borghetto Vara, Brugnato, Calice al Cornoviglio, Carro, Carrodano, Follo, Lerici, Pignone, Riccò del Golfo, Rocchetta Vara, Santo Stefano Magra, Sarzana, Sesta Godano and Vezzano Ligure.

From the top of the Caprione headland, immersed in Mediterranean greenery, the panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia to the west is breathtaking, as is that of the fertile plain of the Magra river to the east. Valued by the Romans, who founded the Luni settlement, the river area alternates with farm land and wet lands where water birds breed, to much endangered sectors. The park, created with the fusion of the previous river park park and the protected area of Montemarcello, therefore represents a degraded zone recovery experiment. The most unspoilt river stretch in the park is the Vara river area, a tributary of the Magra river. Historical centres and castles dominate the valley and there are also antique water mills along the river.

The fluvial environment of the lower Magra valley, marked by intense human exploitation, includes wet lands unique in Liguria, resting and breeding areas of great importance for migratory birds. A system of cycle and foot paths provides the possibility to enjoy the riverside. Even more unspoilt and extensive forests and water courses are to be found in the Vara valley, land of antique farming culture which has the possibility of development through the appreciation of the typical local produce, agricultural activities and environmental friendly forms of tourism and recreation.

The botanical gardens of Montemarcello are on the summit of Monte Murlo (365 m a.s.l.) in the district of Caprione, the hill system that divides the Gulf of La Spezia from the plain of the River Magra. It's chosen site is of considerable floricultural importance. The sections into which the gardens are divided are representative of some of the vegative cover to be found on Caprione. The visitor follows set paths to be able to see the species present in the various sections.