The Pietra di Bismantova is an isolated rocky massif in the shape of a ship that characterises the landscape of the Appennino Reggiano range near Castelnuovo ne' Monti. About a kilometre long, it is a narrow high plain with steep walls, 1,047m high, whose ancient origin dates to the Myocene era, 19 million years ago.
The flat summit is covered with a vegetation of shrubs, in particular the hazelnut, while at the foothills of the massif are fields, bushes and oak forests. Trees in the area include the common juniper, mountain ash and laburnum. The most ubiquitous tall trees here are downy, turkey and holm oaks and linden trees. The flowering of the orchids is notable. At its foot is the Church of Santa Maria Nascente, a pilgrimage destination.
Legend holds that Dante Alighieri came through this area, later referring to it in Canto IV of the Divine Comedy, and was inspired by Pietra di Bismantova in creating the outline of the Mount of Purgatory.
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