It’s a protected natural area, made up of Biancane: small white domes formed of clay dating back to the Pliocene era! These are a very rare and scenic form of erosion, characteristic of this territory.
Walking among the Biancane means entering a world where past and present blend in a unique visual and sensory experience! This is a landscape that tells an ancient, profound story, where the hand of man intertwines with the forces of Nature!
If you look closely, you’ll see that one side of the Biancane, the one facing south, is devoid of vegetation and appears white. This whiteness is due to salts in the clay, which rise to the surface through capillarity and sparkle in the sunlight!
In this biodiversity-rich area, birds are the true stars of the landscape. As you explore, you can hear the rustling of wings and melodic songs that fill the air, a testament to the variety of species like the Montagu's harrier, various species of falcons, the stone-curlew, and the black kite…
With the arrival of spring, nature awakens in an embrace of scents and colors. One of the first plants to bloom and sprout again is cretan wormwood (Artemisia cretacea), an extraordinary plant with an ancient story. The sheep of the Crete, freely grazing in this unique setting, once fed on its tender sprouts, enriching their milk with distinctive aromas. The seasonal cheeses made in March back then carried the very essence of Artemisia, offering an authentic and intense flavor, very different from today’s DOP pecorino.
Cinema has recognized the allure of this landscape, as seen in numerous films that have made history! Among these are the famous works of Mario Monicelli: L’Armata Brancaleone and Brancaleone alle Crociate.
Inaugurated in 2021, walking this trail lets you learn more about the incredible microsystem that makes up the Biancane Geosite of Leonina: flora, fauna, history, and curiosities are all displayed on panels along the way. Come and discover all its secrets!