Pollino National Park
Basilicata
Pollino National Park, spanning the regions of Basilicata and Calabria, is Italy's largest national park covering approximately 1,925 square kilometers. It is named after the Pollino mountain massif and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the oldest European tree, a Heldreich's pine estimated to be over 1,200 years old. The park's emblem is the rare Bosnian pine, and its forests are dominated by common beech trees and numerous medicinal herbs. The landscape features majestic peaks, extensive forests, and important rivers such as the Lao and Sinni. The park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including golden eagles, Italian wolves, roe deer, wild boars, and rare birds of prey like the peregrine falcon and Egyptian vulture. The territory encompasses 56 municipalities, many with historical and cultural significance, including Albanian-speaking communities preserving unique traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2015, the park also hosts ancient beech forests listed as World Heritage sites. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, engage in outdoor activities like rafting and cycling, and discover archaeological sites with prehistoric fossils. The park's management is based in Rotonda, and conservation efforts focus on preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Pollino National Park is during late spring through early autumn when weather conditions are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Visitors are advised to purchase trail maps in advance from authorized points to navigate the extensive network of paths safely. Booking guided tours or rafting excursions ahead of time is recommended, especially in peak seasons. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors. The park's visitor centers, including the Ecomuseum in Rotonda, offer valuable information and exhibitions about the park's natural and cultural heritage.
Interesting facts
- •Pollino National Park contains the oldest known European tree, a Heldreich's pine over 1,200 years old.
- •The park is the largest in Italy and among the 50 largest national parks worldwide, covering nearly 1,925 square kilometers.
- •It was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015, reflecting its geological and ecological significance.
- •The emblem of the park is the rare Bosnian pine, native also to Balkan and Greek mountains.
- •Prehistoric fossils such as Elephas antiquus and Hippopotamus major have been discovered in the park's Valle del Mercure.
- •The park is home to diverse wildlife including the golden eagle, Italian wolf, and the Egyptian vulture.
- •Ancient beech forests within the park are part of a UNESCO World Heritage transnational site of primeval beech forests across Europe.
History
Established in 1988 with provisional boundaries defined in 1990, Pollino National Park was created to protect the unique mountainous environment between Basilicata and Calabria.
Administrative bodies were set up in the early 1990s, with the management headquartered in Rotonda.
Over the decades, the park expanded its conservation efforts, culminating in its recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.
In subsequent years, ancient beech forests within the park were incorporated into the UNESCO World Heritage transnational site.
The park spans 56 municipalities and includes four oriented reserves, highlighting its ecological and cultural importance.
Place Guide
Heldreich's Pinecirca 790 AD
An ancient Heldreich's pine tree estimated to be 1,230 years old, representing the oldest tree in Europe and a symbol of the park's longevity and natural heritage.
Bosnian Pine (Pino Loricato)
The rare Bosnian pine is the emblem of Pollino National Park, found in various locations within the park and also native to Balkan and Greek mountains.
Ancient Beech Forests
The park contains ancient beech forests such as Faggeta Vetusta di Cozzo Ferriero and Faggeta Vetusta del Pollinello, both UNESCO World Heritage sites recognized for their primeval natural state.
Ecomuseum of Pollino in RotondaEstablished post-1990s
A museum dedicated to the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of the Pollino National Park, offering exhibitions and educational resources.
Major Rivers and Waterways
The park includes important rivers such as the Lao, Sinni, Coscile, and Raganello, which support diverse ecosystems and offer recreational activities like rafting.
Contact
Phone: 0973 669311
