Now Italy has a new natural oasis: discovering a hidden paradise in the wild heart of Bibione

At the gates of Bibione, a world that seemed destined to remain hidden finally opens to the public: Val Grande, a splendid naturalistic oasis of over 360 hectares, which contains extraordinary biodiversity and a history that has its roots in Roman times , is now a place that is finally accessible.

The official inauguration, which took place on 28 September 2024, marks a fundamental stage for Bibione and for the entire Northern Adriatic area.

We can consider Val Grande as a large laboratory that deals with the conservation of biodiversity. Inside, rare animal and plant species find refuge and space to proliferate in a protected environment, in which human intervention has been reduced to a minimum, to let nature follow its rhythms. The sound of the wind among the reeds, the lapping of the placid waters, the flocks of birds dancing in the sky: every corner of this valley transmits a sense of primordial harmony, an experience that touches the senses and the spirit of those who are lucky to visit it.

The history of Val Grande

The history of Val Grande is ancient, dating back to Roman times, how can we not mention, for example, the remains of Villa Mutteron dei Frati, located in the heart of the valley: we are talking about one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Upper Adriatic, an environment protected by dunes that speaks to us of a time when the valley probably overlooked the sea. The universities of Regensburg and Padua are today engaged in the study and valorization of this important heritage, which offers a privileged glimpse into a past that seems distant, but which in reality is still present, beneath the surface of the earth.

For centuries, Val Grande was an inaccessible and wild area, where nature reigned supreme. A marshy and hostile territory, transformed by human intervention into a fishing valley, where the lakes have been used for the breeding of mullet, sea bass, eels and sea bream. Over time, the valley’s ecosystem has been regulated through a system of locks that allow the depth and salinity of the water to be controlled, making it an ideal place for nesting numerous species of migratory birds.

A birdwatching paradise

Today, Val Grande is a paradise for birdwatchers, who here can observe species such as egrets, herons, flamingos and black-winged stilts. But it’s not just ornithology enthusiasts who find refuge in this valley. The variety of ecosystems present, ranging from holm oak forests to fossil dunes, from stable meadows to bodies of water, represents an invaluable resource for the conservation of biodiversity. Protection and valorization interventions have made it possible to preserve these unique environments, which play a fundamental role in the ecological balance of the region.

How to visit Val Grande: all the routes

Visitors can now explore the valley through a series of routes that allow them to immerse themselves in its natural and historical beauty. The blue pathknown as the Observatory Path, ensures the opportunity to get close to the bodies of water and the reed beds, where at dawn and dusk you can admire the birds that populate the valley. The yellow pathinstead, leads to the remains of the Roman villa, offering a journey through fifteen centuries. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the green paththe Molinella Path, winds through the most varied environments of the valley, from stable meadows to lagoons, offering an overall vision of the richness of this heritage.

Val Grande is an example of how it is possible to deal with nature in a sustainable way and perform the function of guardian: the interventions carried out to allow access to the valley were designed to minimize the impact on the environment, the routes are marked by wooden posts and information signswhich help visitors to orient themselves without disturbing the natural balance, and the absence of waste bins is an invitation to respect the environment and take with you what you have brought into the valley, to prevent waste from attracting animals and compromise the ecosystem. The inclusion of wild horses for the natural management of the meadows is just one of the interventions planned to guarantee active and dynamic conservation of the valley.

But the real success of this initiative lies in the active participation of those who visit the oasis, through the purchase of the entrance ticket, visitors become an integral part of the environmental protection project, contributing directly to its conservation.

Useful information

Tickets

The rates for 2024 for the autonomous use of the Val Grande Oasis are:

Hours

The 2024 summer timetable of the Val Grande Oasis runs from 8 July to 31 October. It is open from Sunday to Friday, from 08:00 to 18:00, while it is closed on Saturdays.

For further details on updated prices and timetables, we recommend consulting the official website: Oasi Val Grande.

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