Li Vurgacci: among waterfalls and rock monsters

Dear friends today I’ll talk about a trip made by a dear friend of mine, Monia, who lives in Le Marche. I received an email from her last week and I decided to share it directly with you and let you know about another wonder of my region, the so-called: “Li Vurgacci”!

“Ciao Isa, come stai? I’m writing to give you a hint to your blog. Last week Barbara arrived to Italy  (another dear Italian friend of ours who currently lives in Chicago). After seeing her again, we planned a day out together, as we used to do in the good old days.

A few days before, the parents of the little girlfriend of my son, had told me about a village called Pioraco, in the province of Macerata, where you can hike to a place called “Li Vurgacci”.

I never heard about this place before, so I googled it. Barbara and I agreed on visiting it together with my husband and our little kids.

Believe me, you absolutely have to write about this place on Discovermarche!

Backpacks on and much enthusiasm, we started our climb.

Here’s our hiking team: Devis, Tommy, Sofia, Monia and Barbara

The trail is accessible by anyone, even those who are not used to hike (…like myself!). However, the climbing is not walkable during the winter time, since the path runs along the mountain. So Isa, you need to hurry!:-)

You’ll be surrounded in nature immediately: green trees alternate to rocks and beautiful mountains become the backdrop of the whole hiking. Walking up the path you can appreciate the beauty of the village of Pioraco and, with the excuse of the kids we stopped a few times and enjoyed the breathtaking views.

The village of Pioraco can be seen from above during the hiking

Moving on, the path becomes more difficult but the humidity from the bush makes it easier to hike.

When the road starts going down, you’ll finally see the Potenza river…

Sofia and Tommy were so happy as they were finally able to see the river…almost arrived!

…and then you get to an unreal forest were faces are carved on stones covered in moss. Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by a fabulous atmosphere, in an enchanting location.

One of the many creatures carved in the rocks…

…they had been engraved by the artist Antonio Ciccarelli about one century ago…

…all monster faces are engraved in the travertine rocks…

…and are most commonly known as “Li Vurgacci!”

After taking pictures of this magical place, we decided to take a break and refresh in the river. Its water is cold but it is impossible to resist from diving into it!
After a long and refreshing stop, we left and aimed to walk to the old paper mill in Pioraco, crossing bridges and wooden walkways.In general, this is a noncommittal hike, and we really enjoyed it.  Dear Isa, I really hope this short email will make you curious enough to bring you to this beautiful and unique place next time you are to Italy and Le Marche”

Well, a new place called “Li Vurgacci” has just been added to my long travel wish-list!

“And you: what do you think? Has my Italian bestie Monia aroused your curiosity toward Li Vurgacci?”

Thanks Monia & Barbara for sharing such a lovely day trip and pics with Discovermarche!