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The Beeches of Prato Isio
Magnificent beech specimens dot the scenic Prato Isio pasture above Berbenno.
The territory of Berbenno di Valtellina stretches north to the 3,000-meter altitude peaks that precede the most famous Mount Disgrazia (3678 m a.s.l.).
To ascend the Rhaetian side, one can take advantage of the road from Polaggia locality to Alpe Caldenno. This also crosses a beautiful pasture area called Prato Isio. Here, beside the roadway, a monumental beech tree of great scenic value has dwelt for centuries. Unfortunately, in recent years it has lost one of its two main stems: the remaining trunk retains a circumference of 4.60 meters. Nearby are other beautiful beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), some in excellent health and with perfect bearing.
The most interesting specimen is on the edge of the pasture (at the height of the second hairpin bend coming out of the forest), near ancient dry stone walls. It astonishes with a wide globular foliage that gives it great elegance. Its trunk has a circumference of more than 4 meters (diameter 130 cm). From Prato Isio there is a fantastic view of the Valtellina: you can feel how the Adda River has shaped the area.
Green monument freely visitable.
