Monte Forato

Useful Information

Location:	55040 Stazzema, Lucca. (44.015406, 10.335394)
Open:	no restrictions. [2026]
Fee:	free. [2026]
Classification:	Naturbrücke
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	W=30 m, H=25 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Monte Forato, Tel: +39-0
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History

Description

Monte Forato, or better Arco del Monte Forato (Bridge of the Pierced Mountain) is a natural bridge, in this case one of karstic origin. The whole mountain consists of limestone and is heavily karstified. OSM shows about 40 caves in a few hundred meters around the summit, in other words, the mountain is riddled with caves, a real "pierced" mountain. However, the huge natural bridge is exceptional, as it can be seen from far apart, especially from the cluster of villages at its foot, like Orzale, Cardos, or Pruno. From the right angle is possible to see the blue sky through the 25 m wide and high opening. And if you spend the time to hike on the mountain, the trail 12 from the southern summit to the northern summit actually crosses the bridge.

The strangest characteristic of Monte Forato is the so-called double sunset. The phenomenon can be seen only on certain days of the year in October/November and January/February. Standing on the right position on Monte Forato the sun is setting on the bridge, the reappears inside the opening and sets a second time. Obviously this works only on those days when the sun sets in this direction and when the viewer is on the right location. This well published strange fact is obviously hard to actually see. The descriptions say it may be seen from Gallicano, which is obviously in the right direction, nevertheless it does not work, as the villages are very low and the natural bridge is invisoble on the other side of the mountain.

Saint Pellegrino was tempted by the devil while trying to build a large cross on the top of a mountain in the area. Satan, to prevent him from hoisting the cross, presented himself before him first as a dragon, then as an enchanting woman. Saint Pellegrino remained unperturbed and the devil became furious. He decided to present himself in person and hit Saint Pellegrino so hard that he fell to the ground. Saint Pellegrino returned the slap with such energy that the devil flew away, crashing into the muntainside. He ruptured the rock creating the opening known as Monte Forato.

The mountain is also riddled with trails. In general there are two possible starting points, either the village Fornovolasco to the northeast or the village Cardoso to the southwest. Both hikes include a significant elevation gain, and you should definitely plan a full day for the hike. Monte Forato is located in the area of Stazzema, in the Upper Versilia, and is part of the Apuan Alps.