Pianoro
This nature reserve was created in 2006 and is by far the largest in the region. It is intended to poretect the majestic rocky complex that extends for about fifteen kilometres, crosswise in relation to the Reno, Setta, Savena, Zena and Idice valleys, culminating in the scenic Monte Adone (654 m), Rocca di Badolo and Mount Rosso and ending, just beyond the boundary of the protected area, with the panoramic Monte delle Formiche (638 m), on the summit of which stands the sanctuary of Santa Maria di Zena.
The golden sandstone of the spectacular rocky walls was deposited on the bottom of a small sea gulf during the Pliocene era (5-2 million years ago) and preserves important fossil remains. The particular morphology, a result of erosion, with tower-like formations, cliffs, gorges and caves, has given rise to diversified and conrasting enviroments which are of great interest from the viewpoint of both flora and fauna; the sun-bathed rocky walls provide a habitat for Mediterranean plants and rare bird species, while the less steep, wooded northern slopes abound in beech trees, holly and other species typical of mountain regions.