Calabria's
National Parks
The Aspromonte National Park is located in the southern strip
of Appennine mountains in Calabria. This section of the mountain range
is made up of cristaline granite and resembles a gigantic pyramid. The
area is near the sea and reaches heights of 2000 meters with numerous
mountain peaks and plateaus made up of marine sediment from thousands
of years ago. The park territory, deeply marked by many rivers, is also
home to numerous species, such as, the wolf, the pellegrine falcon and
the royal owl. Covered by vast stretches of forest (beech, white firs,
black pines and chestnuts), as well as, the typical Mediterranean vegetation.
A couple of rarities: the Bonelli eagle and tropical Woodwardia radican
plants. Surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the park is host to numerous
historical sites of artistic and archaeological interest, testaments
to a deep seated culture: Greek, classic, medieval and modern. Aspromonte!
A marvelous naturalistic and cultural experience for everyone.
The
Pollino National Park is the largest protected area among the most
recent parks inaugurated in Italy. The park is located in the southern
Appennine mountains in Calabria and Basilicata between the Tirrenian
and Ionian seas. A vast and uncontaminated territory home to many rare
plant and animal species, such as, the Loricato Pine, the Royal Eagle
and the Capriol Deer. The natural areas covered by forest of beech-wood,
snow, Dolomite like rock formations, glacial deposits and cave systems
are enriched by paleontologic sites, such as, the Romito Caves and the
Mercure Valley, as well as, archaeological sites dating back to Greek
colonization. Sanctuaries, convents, castles, historical centers, pastoral
environments, popular festivals and minority ethnic-linguistic populations
of original Albanians from the XV-XVI centuries are also found within
the confines or the National Park.
