Appenninica - General States of the Mountain
The political-cultural festival dedicated to the Apennines and inland areas
About Appenninica
Appenninica, the high-altitude Atreju
Often dubbed the "high-altitude Atreju," Appenninica - General States of the Mountain is a political-cultural festival that transforms the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines every winter into a vast laboratory of ideas for the future of the highlands. Organized by Fratelli d'Italia with delegations from Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, the festival focuses on key issues for inland areas: depopulation, infrastructure, mountain healthcare, tourism, agriculture, and European policies for mountainous zones.
Where it takes place: between Cutigliano, Abetone, and the Modenese Apennines
The event's headquarters is the historic Palazzo dei Capitani della Montagna in Cutigliano, in the municipality of Abetone Cutigliano, in the Province of Pistoia (Tuscany). However, the program extends along the entire Apennine ridge, involving Abetone, the picturesque Val di Luce, and, on the Emilian side, Fiumalbo and the Modenese Apennines. This interregional dimension is one of the event's hallmarks, emphasizing that mountains know no administrative boundaries.
Debates, ministers, and round tables
The program alternates between conferences, thematic panels, and round tables featuring local administrators, regional councillors, members of parliament, and government officials. Key topics include the development of inland areas, mountain education and schooling, justice, national security, territorial excellence, and European policies for mountain zones.
Not just politics: conviviality and nature
Appenninica is not just about conferences. The program weaves debates together with excursions, tastings of typical Apennine products, presentations of local excellence, and social moments designed to experience the mountains, such as a full-moon dinner and a sunrise hike to witness the awakening of the Apennine peaks.
A showcase for the Tuscan mountains
For the municipality of Abetone Cutigliano and the entire Province of Pistoia, Appenninica represents a national showcase: for a few days, the Pistoia mountains become the center of Italian political debate on the highlands, attracting ministers, undersecretaries, and the media. It is an occasion that combines institutional reflection with the discovery of the winter landscape of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Appenninica — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Appenninica marked a step up: four days of work, a dual regional venue between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, and daily debates in different locations across the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The event, organized by Fratelli d'Italia, confirmed the formula that combines political discussion, territorial development, and social moments at high altitude.
The opening on February 26 saw the participation of the Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, while the closing on March 1 was entrusted to the Minister for European Affairs Tommaso Foti. Institutional presence was significant, with undersecretaries from the ministries of Justice, Education, and Agriculture and Forestry.
Programme Appenninica 2026
Thursday, February 26 - Opening
- Inauguration of the fifth edition with Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi
- Start of proceedings between Abetone and Fiumalbo
Friday, February 27 - Saturday, February 28 - Debates and round tables
- Conference "From Tuscany to Emilia: where are we?" at the Palazzo dei Capitani in Cutigliano (11:00 AM), with Chiara La Porta (FdI group leader in the Tuscany Regional Council) and Marta Evangelisti (FdI group leader in the Emilia-Romagna Regional Council)
- Thematic panels on inland areas, school and education, justice, national security, and territorial excellence
- Speeches by undersecretaries Andrea Delmastro (Justice), Paola Frassinetti (Education), and Patrizio La Pietra (Agriculture)
Social and nature moments
- Full-moon dinner
- Sunrise hike to admire the awakening of the Apennines
- Tastings of typical products and presentation of local excellence
Sunday, March 1 - Closing
- Concluding event with Minister for European Affairs Tommaso Foti, dedicated to European policies for the mountains
Highlights Appenninica 2026
Prices Appenninica 2026
Practical information — Appenninica
How to get there
By car: from Pistoia, reach Cutigliano via the SS12 Abetone-Brennero road. By train: arrive at Pistoia or Pracchia station (Porrettana line), then continue by bus or car towards the Pistoia mountains.
Main venue
Palazzo dei Capitani della Montagna, in the historic center of Cutigliano (Municipality of Abetone Cutigliano, PT). Further events take place in Abetone, Val di Luce, and the Modenese Apennines.
When
The event is held at the end of winter, generally between late February and early March.
Admission
Meetings are generally open to the public; it is recommended to check the updated program for any events requiring an invitation or reservation.
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Where does it take place — Appenninica
Palazzo dei Capitani della Montagna, Cutigliano
Palazzo dei Capitani della Montagna, 51024 Abetone Cutigliano