The refuge in the heart of Monte Moria Provincial Park is accessible by car, but once you arrive, you’ll forget you even have one. Spanning an area of around 1,000 hectares across the municipalities of Morfasso and Lugagnano, the refuge’s enchanting surroundings captivate the eyes and heart with their forest heritage, dominated by the curious shapes of centuries-old chestnut trees.

Broom, juniper and beech trees are scattered throughout the area, which is famous for its rich undergrowth of mushrooms. At the end or in the middle of any nature excursion among the gentle slopes of Monte Croce dei Segni, the unmissable stop is, of course, the refuge — a comfortable place to rest before setting off again.

Not to be missed: if the badlands of the Piacenziano area (Stirone and Piacenziano Regional Park) are a treat for the eyes, not to mention the fossil finds including the whale preserved at the Cortesi Geological Museum in Castell’Arquato, foodies may be more interested in a tour of Piacenza’s fresh pasta, which includes the Valdardese version of anolini (made with cheese and no meat) as one of its countless variations.

The Rifugio Mariotti in Corniglio is the perfect place for anyone who wants to be in close contact with the largest glacial lake in the region.
Located at an altitude of 1,507 metres in the western part of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, Lago Santo exerts an irresistible attraction for those seeking a place to relax, fish (with a licence) and even dive under the ice in winter.

The refuge itself is a reference point for hikers, who can reach Monte Marmagna and Monte Orsaro from here.
It can also be reached by chairlift from Lagdei and has a kitchen, two reception rooms, four bathrooms and 42 beds.

The Rifugio Lagdei also offers food and accommodation, as well as a park information point.
A short distance away, the Rifugio Lagoni, located on the shores of the eponymous lakes, completes the trio of mountain huts offering hospitality in the upper Parma Valley.

Not to be missed: a stop at Rifugio Mariotti is essential to sample the legendary fried tortelloni with potatoes and leeks.

With a thousand years of history, it’s fair to say that the Ospitale San Leonardo al Dolo has more experience than any star-rated hotel. You can reach the refuge from the village of Civago in half an hour on foot, immersed in the nature of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park.

The ancient Via delle Forbici has given way to a path skirting this small mountain gem, where you can bathe, sleep and, most importantly, eat.

Not far away, nestled among the beech woods and former pastures, lies the Rifugio Battisti. This stop on the Alta Via dei Parchi offers splendid views and is the perfect starting point for conquering the peaks of Prado and Cusna.

Not to be missed: thirty minutes from Rifugio Battisti and fifteen minutes from Rifugio Bargetana, at 1,740 metres in the municipality of Ligonchio, is the enchanting Lake Bargetana. This postcard-perfect view is best enjoyed after tasting the homemade cakes and tarts with wild berries served at the establishments.