In 1972 Dr. Roberto Mattoni, veterinary, created the first Zoo Park of European fauna in Poppi, near Arezzo. Together with his wife Renata and their 5 children, they built a reservation for many animals that found here their perfect refuge in a natural oasis of peace and beauty.
The park covers an area of approximately 50 hectares and is covered with pine trees, chestnut trees and secular oak trees. The park is very important for ecological, cultural, educational purposes and for the preservation of fauna, in addition to being is a tangible demonstration of faith and love for nature.
Unlike others parks that are open to the public and allow total freedom of use and enjoyment, this project has never received public financing for its implementation or its maintenance, and has lived and continues to live thanks to the only work of the Mattoni family the consensus of visitors, and the healthy reproduction rates of the animals that in the park have found an ideal home.
In the middle of the park the church dedicated to St. Francis of Assis stands in front of a wonderful backdrop. From here the landscape is a treat to the eye, as you can see the lake with aquatic bird life, the medieval castle of Poppi, the mountain chain of Pratomagno and the sacred mountain of Verna; Camaldoli, his monastery and the National Park of Casentino Forests are located a few kilometers away.
Visiting the zoological park of Poppi is an enriching experience for children and their parents. In addition to spending wonderful hours outdoors in the company of the most beautiful animals of the European Fauna, children, and adults alike, will have an immediate and direct contact with the world of animals, discovering what it is to see and get close to a free-range wild animal in its living environment. A feeling that no book will ever give you or your children.
Visiting the park is an experience that will make you and your wee-ones discover the grace, beauty, agility, and harmony of colors of the fauna at the park. Charming chants of the many species living in the park is in itself a magnificent spectacle and at the same time an open book of living nature.
The park is open all year round, and offers the followings to its guests:
-Free outdoor parking for cars and buses
-Internal parking for cars and buses
-two cafeteria points
-restaurant (can accommodate up to 300 at a pinch) with local specialties;
-consecrated church where you can celebrate religious functions
-space for packed lunches for students and groups;
-children’s playground
-botanical garden with plants of the Casentino valley
More info at: Phone +39 0575 504541 – 504542
Bar Restaurant: Phone +39 0575-504541 – 504542 – 529079
E-mail: info@parcozoopoppi.it
Getting to the Natural Zoo Park of Poppi:
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