Ridracoli
between nature and engineering

Ridracoli lies on the border between the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions, right in the heart of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. It is an enchanting place where man and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Here, you can admire the majestic Ridracoli dam, an extraordinary feat of engineering built on the Bidente River in the 1980s. This construction gave rise to a stunning lake, now perfectly framed by spectacular forests. The Ridracoli Dam is a magnificent work of high engineering that has supplied drinking water to the municipalities of Romagna and the Republic of San Marino since 1987. The area is located in the Romagna Apennines, within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, which preserves some of the most extensive and best-conserved unspoilt forests, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

The IDRO – The Ridracoli Water Ecomuseum and the dam are part of the AmaParco network, a network of over 20 parks and museums throughout the Emilia-Romagna region. Located across the provinces of Ravenna, Rimini, Forlì-Cesena and Ferrara, this circuit offers visitors the chance to experience a wide range of naturalistic, historical and archaeological activities and sites.

the local area

Ridracoli offers the ideal escape for relaxation and to immerse yourself in nature. Glide across the lake on a guided e-boat tour or grab a canoe to explore its more secluded areas. For the more adventurous traveller, why not choose an e-bike excursion or take on the thrilling Foreste Casentinesi Triathlon, a unique challenge combining trekking, canoeing and e-biking into one unforgettable day. Follow the multiple trails that branch out, leading to some of the Park’s most pristine treasures, including the picturesque village of San Paolo in Alpe and the majestic Lama Forest, neighbouring the Sasso Fratino Integral Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traveller’s highlight: If your timing is right, you might witness the incredible moment when the dam’s water overflows, creating a breathtaking 100-metre waterfall!

Beyond the dam, be sure to visit IDRO – The Ridracoli Water Ecomuseum. Together, these sites create a compelling ‘museo diffuso’ – an open-air museum spanning multiple locations.

Step into IDRO, where captivating exhibition halls bring stories of the dam and the Romagna aqueduct to life. This is an immersive journey into the world of water: learn about global water distribution, understand its vital role in life on Earth, and grasp why it remains our most vital resource. Cap off your visit by exploring an interactive path that maps out the exciting future of clean energy!

Ridracoli in all seasons

Ridracoli and its National Park offer unique, unforgettable experiences all year round: the warm hues of autumn, snow-dusted winter landscapes, spring in full bloom, and the crisp coolness of summer.

Make your visit truly memorable by staying in a charming stone cottage nestled deep in the woods, completely immersed in lush greenery. If you are lucky, you might even wake up to the sight of deer or foxes right outside your window – a magical moment that will make you truly feel at one with nature.