Culture and Nature in Santa Sofia

The Contemporary Art Gallery named after Vero Stoppioni, is located in the town center. Opened in the early 1990s to house the works of the Campigna Prize, it remains a landmark for Italian art from the post-World War II era to the present.

The exhibition journey winds its way from realism to the Informel movement, from Pop Art to abstract art, and on to New Figuration, featuring works by artists such as Fabrizio Plessi, Mattia Moreni, Piero Ruggeri, Pompilio Mandelli, Enzo Brunori, Alberto Sughi, Giovanni Korompay, and Aldo Borgonzoni.

Must-see

The special section dedicated to Mattia Moreni ( 1920–1999), “the most dynamic and restless of our masters,” as art historian Renato Barilli described him. A prominent figure in several editions of the Campigna Prize, the artist had deep ties to Santa Sofia.

Also in the historic center, at Parco della Resistenza (formerly Parco Giorgi, accessible from Piazza Matteotti), is the Outdoor Sculpture Park, which is free and open to the public every day of the year. Established in 1993 in close collaboration with the “Vero Stoppioni” Gallery, it features 14 works of contemporary art (a number set to grow over time), which blend seamlessly with the landscape and the history of the area, creating a direct dialogue between art and the environment.

The trail that runs along the Bidente Riverbed and leads to the hamlet of Capaccio, about 2 km from Santa Sofia. A walk suitable for everyone in the heart of nature, with the sound of flowing water in the background.

Must-see

• “Santa Sofia ‘93” by Mauro Staccioli and “Under the Ginkgo Tree” by Hidetoshi Nagasawa inside the park
• “Cono tronco” by Arnaldo Pomodoro and “La deriva è il nodo della mia gola” by Sissi, located in Piazzetta Milleluci.
• The artwork “VIA” by Chiara Pergola in the nearby Piazza Matteotti on the facade of the “ex-Mairie,” the former town hall.

Useful Info

Suitable for children; along the route, several panels recount the adventures of Emi and Poi—a boy and a buzzard—who interact with the artworks themselves. An opportunity to introduce children to contemporary art.

The Ridracoli Dam is a perfect example of the harmonious integration of human engineering and the natural environment. Located about 13 km from Santa Sofia, it lies in the heart of the Casentino Forest National Park,

A visit to this little corner of paradise offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by water and vibrant nature.

There are many ways to actively and sustainably experience and explore the area:

• electric boat tours with guided commentary on board
• canoe excursions
• hiking amidst nature
• e-bike rentals.

Must-see

• Ca’ di Sopra Mountain Hut. Reachable in 30–40 minutes on foot, it’s an oasis surrounded by nature where you can stop for a picnic or a moment of relaxation with a breathtaking view of the entire dam.
• IDRO ecomuseum: an interactive museum where water and the local landscape take center stage. Inside, visitors can: conduct experiments and watch documentaries about the wildlife of the Bidente Valley and the origins of life.

The museum also includes a main building in the village of Ridracoli, featuring several exhibition halls, as well as thematic stations: the technology, landscape, and nature centers located in the dam area.