Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane / Pellegrini-Ansaldi Botanical Garden

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The Pellegrini-Ansaldi Botanical Garden is a delightful mountain botanical garden, located in Pian della Fioba area near Massa. The about 3-hectare area hosts many endemic species typical of limestone areas and several examples of flora typical of siliceous peaks. They are rare plants and shrubs typical of the flora of the Apuan Alps that are protected and reproduced here. Apart from the plants, visitors can have amazing views of the Apuan mountain ranges, marble mine and the green surroundings.


The Botanical Garden in Pian della Fioba is at an altitude of about 900 m. The narrow road there is numerous zig-zag. It’s exciting to go up and the drive demands extreme attention to avoid crash with cars running the opposite way. At time, gangs of motorcycles flashed past. The biggest gang consisted of over 40 motorcycles. When we approached the Botanical Garden, it was a complete tranquil green environment. 

The Botanical Garden is dedicated to the doctor and botanist Pietro Pellegrini (1867 - 1957) from Massa and since 4 March 2016 co-owned by Maria Ansaldi (1959-2013), botanist and curator of the Alpine garden until her premature death. Thanks to Maria Ansaldi, the garden was completely renovated with an intervention by the Apuan Alps Regional Park included in the DOCUP 2000-2006 financing system. It tells how the name of the Botanical Garden was formed.

The Pellegrini-Ansaldi Botanical Garden is open between spring and early autumn. From Easter to end May it is open during the weekends, every day in June throughout to mid-September, then on weekends only until end October. From November to Easter, extraordinary openings for groups are possible by reservation. Opening hours: 9.30am - 1.00pm and 3.00pm - 7.00pm. 


During the opening hours, access from the entrance to the shelter-workshop is free and open to all. One can join a guided tour led by university students to walk through the hiking trail at 9.30 - 10.15 -11.15 -12.00, 3.00pm - 3.45pm - 4.45pm - 5.45pm. The itinerary consists of a mountain path classified as level “E” (Hiking) characterized by a positive difference in altitude of 100 meters and lasts approximately 60 minutes. It costs €5/person, free under 18 years old.




We enjoyed the visit to the Garden with the rare indigenous plants at the high attitude, the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and sea.  Afterwards, we visited the nearby Refuge to enjoy the various views of the Apuan mountain ranges. Gorgeous! Reviews of the refuge at Tripadvisor are good, the food and overall experience.






To reach the Botanical Garden, one can drive from Massa via the panoramic road Massa, or via the "Via dei Carri".  For public transport, one can take bus 66 from Massa Railway Station on weekends during the summer months.
Location: Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane "Pietro Pellegrini", Via dei Colli, 54100 Pian della Fioba MS, Italy

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