Gole dell'Infernaccio

The Infernaccio gorge is a narrow, shaded corridor cut by the River Tenna in the Sibillini mountains. Rock walls, dripping water and beech woodland give it a character distinct from the range's open uplands.

Why it matters

The gorge expresses the shaping force of water within the mountain landscape. Its history also includes movement between valleys and the religious presence of San Leonardo above the river.

What to notice

The Pisciarelle form veils of dripping water on the Monte Zampa slope rather than one large waterfall. The enclosed rock faces contrast with the woodland and the river below. Higher ground around San Leonardo and the upper Tenna valley adds a broader mountain setting to the narrow gorge.

Context and history

The passage is associated with the old Golubro connection between the Nera and Tenna valleys. Pastoral movement and other journeys gave this landscape a human history alongside its natural formation. The church of San Leonardo became closely associated with the later rebuilding work of Pietro Lavini, adding a modern chapter to a much older religious site.