Description

The Monteleone basin is crossed lengthways by the River Corno, the alluvial deposits of which, together with the layers of debris from the over-towering ridges, have created the Ruscio Plain, a large flat expanse of great environmental importance.

The post-glacial lake sediments and the subsequent forest vegetation then contributed to form a fertile terrain, which has been used for millennia by shepherds and farmers as natural pasture for the precious herds of sheep, as hayfields and cultivated meadow, in particular for the D.O.P. spelt of Monteleone and the lentil.

The territory of Monteleone is located in one of the most delightful and interesting corners of the entire Central Apennines in terms of nature and landscape, the Natural Park of Coscerno-Aspra, characterised by imposing mountain ridges. The shape of the closed meadows, which are surrounded by natural fencing of shrub-like hedges and trees, is that typical of the farming landscape of the Valnerina, testimonies of which exist already from the Middle Ages. These natural fences served as a defence mechanism.