If I told you that monuments can also be green, would you believe it?
Well, the famous Quercia delle Checche (Oak tree) was named the first green monument in Italy in 2017 by the Ministry of the Environment. Its appearance, precisely monumental and imposing, strikes the eyes of travelers. The peculiarity of this oak lies in the spectacular growth of its branches. It extends in height for 20 meters, but in width “the arms” reach a total measure of almost 25 meters.
You can well understand that this beautiful tree is a few years old, supposedly more than 350. It has a circumference greater than 5 meters and has withstood wars and bad weather. It is important to note that the oak is the only one that withstood the deforestation that took place between 1800 and 1900, remaining, in fact, the only historical specimen in the area. The famous oak is in fact found in the municipality of Pienza and within the Unesco area of the Val d’Orcia.
The name queer derives from the large number of magpies that have found shelter in its branches over time. The majestic oak also has a unique relationship with the territory even if this has cracked in recent years. Due to various individuals who have climbed the historical branches to take pictures or climb, some arms have, alas, broken. Certain unrepeatable assets should be protected with greater care. However, the Quercia delle Checche remains an incredible green monument that must absolutely be visited.
