The Dardagna waterfalls and the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero
admin February 1st, 2007
One of my favorite spots, among the many things to see in Parco del Corno alle Scale (near the thermal city of Porretta Terme) is the “Dardagna Waterfalls”.
I like them so much because in order to reach them you have to take a short hike in the middle of the woods, but nothing particularly tiring. The course of the Dardagna river measures about 25 km. and ends in the Rocchetta resort when it joins the Scoltenna torrent that gives origin to the Panaro river.
A good starting point for the excursion to the waterfalls is the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero, that dates back to the XVI century, it’s found along the street that leads to Corno alle Scale from Vidiciatico, near the Pian d’Ivo resort.
It’s based on a local tale, from the XIV century, about a miraculous apparition of the Madonna to two death-mute Shepard boys that sought refuge under a maple tree during a thunderstorm. It is said that the young boys were miraculously healed from the vision and they received the power to speak.