The location

Pardesa is located 400 metres above sea level at the foot of the Apennine mountains 25km from Bologna, next to the “Contrafforte Pliocenico” nature reserve. The Contrafforte reserve (800m altitude) is noted for its geological, natural and historical importance (it was along the 1944 “Winter line” front), and for the protection that it offers from the northern winds, creating a Mediterranean microclimate.

Already immersed in a natural oasis of beauty and biodiversity, Pardesa’s 12 hectares (30 acres) is an ideal location for mindfulness and care for the Earth. The majority of the center’s land is woods containing holly oak, oak and ash trees. The areas under cultivation feature a food forest, a vegetable garden and a fruit orchard.

Pardesa’s vicinity to the city of Bologna and the “via della Futa” (the mountain pass road connecting Bologna and Florence) makes for simple connections from all over Italy with both private and public transport. Bologna is a central hub in Italy’s rail network and its airport enjoys many direct and connecting international flights. We are one day’s walk from the “via degli Dei” hiking path between Bologna and Florence.