INDEX

ABRUZZO, LAZIO E MOLISE NATIONAL PARK
ARCIPELAGO TOSCANO NATIONAL PARK
ASINARA NATIONAL PARK
ASPROMONTE NATIONAL PARK
CALABRIA NATIONAL PARK
CILENTO E VALLO DI DIANO NATIONAL PARK
CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK
CIRCEO NATIONAL PARK
DOLOMITI BELLUNESI NATIONAL PARK
FORESTE CASENTINESI, MONTE FALTERONA E CAMPIGNA NATIONAL PARK
GARGANO NATIONAL PARK
GRAN PARADISO NATIONAL PARK
GRAN SASSO E MONTI DELLA LAGA NATIONAL PARK
ARCIPELAGO DI LA MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK
MAIELLA NATIONAL PARK
MONTI SIBILLINI NATIONAL PARK
POLLINO NATIONAL PARK
STELVIO NATIONAL PARK
VAL GRANDE NATIONAL PARK
VESUVIO NATIONAL PARK

ABRUZZO, LAZIO E MOLISE NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park 
Regions: Abruzzo, Lazio, Molise
Provinces: L'Aquila, Frosinone, Isernia
Size: 49.680 hectares
Institution: R.D.L. 11/01/23, n. 257; D.P.R. 10/01/90; D.P.C.M. 26/11/93; D.P.R 24/01/2000
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale dell'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise - Viale S. Lucia - 67032 Pescasseroli (AQ) - Tel. 0863/910715 - 912871 - Fax 0863/912132
E-mail: info@parcoabruzzo.it
Web: www.parcoabruzzo.it 

How to Get There 
By car: highway A 25 to the Celano or Pescina exit. Follow indications for Bisegna (or Gioia dei Marsi-Rifugio del Diavolo); Highway A 1 to Frosinone exit following signs for Sora-Forca d'Acero. 
By bus: Abruzzo bus lines are connected to the centres of Avezzano, L'Aquila, and Pescara by ARPA lines. From Lazio, COTRAL buses arrive, and during summer months there is a direct bus to Pescasseroli from Roma and Napoli. 
By train: the Roma-Pescara line goes as far as Avezzano, while the Sulmona-Isernia line reaches the Alfedena station from the South.

In Brief 
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park has dedicated 80 years to the creation of a protected area which stands out nationally for its number of structures and actions performed for the conservation of nature and the protection of the environment. The work performed over the years has led to widespread appreciation of the Park. 
Out of 62 structures, visitor centres, area offices, shelter, museums, and animal sanctuaries, 45 of them along with three natural paths are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as children, elderly people and people with disabilities. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0863/910715	Viale S. Lucia, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	NO	
PESCASSEROLI VISITOR CENTRE	Natural Museum	0863/910405	Viale Colli dell'Oro, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	YES	
	Ecological Laboratory			YES	
	Animal RehabilitationCentre			YES	
	Apennine Garden			YES	
PESCASSEROLI OFFICE	Local Authority Office	0863/91955	Via Rovereto, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	YES	
CAMPEGGIO DELL'ORSO SHELTER	Camp and shelter	0863/91955	S.S. Marsicana 83, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	YES	
APENNINE ECOLOGICAL STUDY CENTER	Environmental education centre and research facility	0863/910715	Viale S. Lucia, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	NO	
DEFENSESHELTER	Mountain shelters reserved for surveillance, control, and environmental education. The Forca D'Acero shelter is also local authority office		Loc. Difesa, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	NO	
FORCA D'ACERO SHELTER			Loc. Forca d'Acero, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	NO	
PRATO ROSSO SHELTER			Loc. Prato Rosso, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	NO	
PESCO DI IORIO SHELTER			Loc. Pesco di Iorio, 67032, Pescasseroli (AQ)	NO	
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE	Environmental Education Centre	0864/89102	Via Roma, 67030, Villetta Barrea (AQ)	YES	
BARACCONE	Craft Museum		Via Roma, 67030, Villetta Barrea (AQ)	YES (ground floor only)	
CIVITELLA ALFEDENA VISITOR CENTRE	Apennine Wolf Museum-Natural Museum	0863/890141	Via Nazionale, 67030, Civitella Alfedena (AQ)	NO	
	Local authority office			YES	
	Environmental education operations office			YES	
	Wolf wildlife area			YES	
	Lynx wildlife area			NO	
	Equipped area			YES	
	Nature footpath			YES (partially)	
BELVEDERE DELLA LISCIA SHELTER	Mountain Surveillance and Control Shelter		Loc. Liscia, 67030, Civitella Alfedena (AQ)	NO	
CASONE ANTONUCCI SERVICE CENTER	Environmental Education Centre, Information Centre, Ecological Laboratory and Multilingual Centre		S.S. Marsicana 83, 67030, Civitella Alfedena (AQ)	YES	
OPI VISITOR CENTRE	Natural Museum		Via Torre, 67030, Opi (AQ)	NO	
	Local Authority Office			YES	
	Chamois Wildlife Area			NO	
VAL FONDILLO CENTER	Local Authority Office		Loc. Val Fondillo, 67030, Opi (AQ)	YES	
	Forestry Centre Natural Museum and Recreational Structure			YES	
	Environmental Educational Centre			YES	
	Equipped Path			YES	
BISEGNA VISITOR CENTRE	Roe Natural Museum		S.S. Marsicana 83, 67050, Bisegna (AQ)	NO	
	Local Authority Office			YES	
	Roe Wildlife Area			NO	
	Nature Footpath			NO	
SAN SEBASTIANO INSECT MUSEUM	Natural Museum		Via Garibaldi S. Sebastiano, 67050, Bisegna (AQ)	YES	
TERRAEGNA SHELTER	Mountain Surveillance and Control Shelter		Loc. Terraegna, 67050, Bisegna (AQ)	YES	
VILLA VALLELONGA VISITOR CENTRE	Deer Natural Museum	0863/949261	Via Colle di Marco Andrea, 67050, Villavallelonga (AQ)	NO	
	Local Authority Office			YES	
	Deer and Bear Wildlife Area			NO	
	Nature Footpath			NO	
	Ecological Laboratory			YES	
	Botanical Garden with Didactic Pond			YES	
COPPO DELL'ORSO SHELTER	Mountain Surveillance and Control Shelter		Loc. Coppo dell'Orso, 67050, Villavallelonga (AQ)	YES	
PREDATOR CENTRE	Animal Treatment Facility		Loc. Valle Capraia, 67030, Barrea (AQ)	YES	
BARBEA AREA OFFICE	Authority Local Office		Via Roma, 67030, Barrea (AQ)	YES	
RESUINI FORCA SHELTER	Mountain Surveillance and Control Services Shelter		Loc. Forca Resuni, 67030, Barrea (AQ)	NO	
DIAVOLO SHELTER	Shelter, Hostel	0863/88152	S.S. Marsicana Loc. Passo del Diavolo, 67050, Gioia dei Marsi (AQ)	YES	
VILLALAGO VISITOR CENTRE	local Authority Office and Craftwork Centre		Via Celestino Lupi, 67030, Villalago (AQ)	YES	
SCANNO VISITOR CENTRE	local Authority Office and Conference Centre		Loc. Frattura, 67030, Scanno (AQ)	YES	
	Lakeside Natural Museum		Loc. Lago di Scanno, 67038, Scanno (AQ)	YES	
	Chamois Wildlife Area		Loc. Monte Rotondo, 67038, Scanno (AQ)	YES	
GREEN AREA	Natural Museum, Local Authority Office and Environmental Educational Centre	0862/870002	Viale Roma, 67050, Ortona dei Marsi (AQ)	YES	
GIOIA DEI MARSI	Local Authority Office		67055, Gioia dei Marsi (AQ)	YES	
LA CICERANA SHELTER	Mountain Surveillance and Control Shelter		Loc. La Cicerana, 67055, Lecce nei Marsi (AQ)	YES	
PIZZONE VISITOR CENTRE	Natural Bear Museum and Conference Centre	0865/951435	Loc. Vigna dei Santi, 86071, Pizzone (IS)	YES	
	Local Authority Office			YES	
	Bear Wildlife Area			NO	
	Nature Footpath			NO	
	Ecological Laboratory			YES	
FALCON RESERVE	Mountain Surveillance, Control Shelter and Scientific Laboratory		Loc. Le Forme, 86071, Pizzone (IS)	YES	
SCAPOLI VISITOR CENTRE	Reed-Pipe Museum		86070, Scapoli (IS)	YES	
	Local Authority Office			YES	
CASTEL SAN VINCENZO	Local Authority Office		86071, Castel San Vincenzo (IS)	YES	
ROCCHETTA AL VOLTURNO	Local Authority Office		86070, Rocchetta al Volturno (IS)	YES	
PICINISCO	Local Authority Office		03040, Picinisco (FR)	YES	

Accessibility means the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
It is possible to visit the Park taking any of the 150 walks described on Parks tourist maps available in each of the Park Authority Offices. The ideal time to visit the Park is from late spring to early autumn, before snow covers the region. Amongst the different itineraries in the Park one is particularly fascinating: it is the one that begins at Civitella Alfedena and leads to the Forca Resuni Refuge lodge passing through the Val di Rose, Lago Vivo, Camosciara, Prato Rosso Refuge, and Val Fondillo. In Pescasseroli the Park Museum and Animal Park can be visited. Nearby the town of Civitella Alfedena there are the Wolf Museum and Wolf and Lynx Wildlife Area. The town of Villavallelonga hosts the Deer Museum and in the town of Opi there is a Chamois wildlife area. In some of the Park's shelters, overnight stays can be requested by writing to the Park Authority offices in Pescasseroli or in the other towns above mentioned; please consider that only the offices in Pescasseroli and Civitella Alfedena are open all year round. In addition to the Park's natural landscapes, the inhabited areas are rich in history and worthwhile visiting.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
OTTER TRAIL	Via B. Virgilio	Villetta Barrea (AQ)	Otter wildlife area Via Masserie	Villetta Barrea (AQ)	20 min	1,500 mt	YES	
VAL FONDILLO EQUIPPED TRAIL	Loc. Val Fondillo	Opi (AQ)	Loc. Val Fondillo	Opi (AQ)	10 min	650 mt	YES	
GIOIA TRAIL - DIAVOLO HISTORIC SHELTER - LA CICERANA SHELTER	Passo del Diavolo	Gioia dei Marsi (AQ)	Rifugio La Cicerana	Lecce nei Marsi 

(AQ)	2 hours	8,000 mt	YES	

Park Outline 
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is one of the oldest in Italy. It has been functional for more than 80 years. Aside from the Abruzzo region from which it takes its name, the Park expands also into the Lazio and Molise regions, hence its new title of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park approved by law in 2001. The Park protects wildlife areas that help reconstruct a view of the Apennines in ancient times. The Park's landscape is mountainous, although the peaks are not very high: the Petroso mountain (highest in the Park) soars 2.249 meters. Almost all the Apennine characteristics are present in the Park, such as mountains, slopes, hillsides, woods, pastures, beech, mix deciduous and pine forests. The presence of both surface and subterranean water is another important characteristic of the Park. The springs of the Sangro River are in the Park. The Sangro River gains force with numerous torrents as it descends into the valley and two artificial lakes have been created in Barrea (on the Sangro) and Grottacampanaro in Val di Comino. The Park's only natural lake is Lago Vivo. The lake is small but beautiful, fed by a subterranean water system and by water that melts from snowfall. The mountains of the Park show signs of centuries of agricultural history. Until 50 years ago, thousand of sheep grazed in the area until autumn when they were transferred to the Puglia region along historical tracks, this practice is called transumanza. Today, sheep farming is slowly losing its status as an economic resource towards tourism.

Wildlife 
The most predominant characteristic of the Park's vegetation is the presence of woodlands and forests that contain trees more than 500 years old. Beech forest plant communities are the most common and the dominant canopy species are: Neapolitan maple, Sycamore, Yew, Holly and Silver birch. At lower altitudes there are deciduous oak such as the Turkey oak and the Downy oak together with the Field and the Montpeler maple and the Mann ash. Along the rivers the White willow, the Hornbeam, the Black poplar and the Large leaved lime trees are common. In specific climactic and environmental conditions, several small formations of Sweet chestnut trees and sporadic growths of Mediterranean maquis with Holm oaks are present. One of the most interesting aspects of the Park's vegetation is the presence of the Villetta Barrea Austrian pine, a species endemic to this part of the Apennines. It develops primarily on the dolomite rocks of Camosciara and in the surrounding areas. Between the Beech forest belt and the mountain prairie there is a typical vegetation structure with shrubs of the Mugo pine and the Dwarf juniper. The floristic composition of the native herbs in the Park consists of numerous rare and endemic species; between the most beautiful there are the Black vanilla orchid, the Red lily, the Martagon lily, the Common peony, and the Great yellow gentian. The rare Venus lady's-slipper orchid is a specific orchid of this part of the Apennines and is present elsewhere only in some locations on the Alps; also the Marsica iris is an endemism present in the area. To give a clearer picture of the vast plant life in the Park, there are more than 1,200 species of vascular plants. 
From an animal perspective too, the Park is truly unique: it is the only place in Italy where most of the species of mammals that once inhabited the Apennines are still present. Amongst these mammals the fascinating Marsicano's bear is the Park's symbol, about 70-80 of the species are scattered throughout the forests. Another unique animal is the Abruzzo chamois (quite different from its alpine ancestors), which can be easily observed along some of the highest paths of the Park. The population of this noble animal, which faced extinction a few decades ago, has now been built up to about 500 individuals. In addition, several dozen Wolves prowl the mountains of the Park, hunting Red deers and Roe deers that were reintroduced into the Park during the 1970's (stumbling upon Roe deer is difficult in the Park, while Red deer sightings are more common). Wildcats, Pine martens, Steenmartens, Badgers and Wildboars are also found on the scene in harmony with birds such as the Golden eagle and the rare Lilford woodpecker. Bushwalkers who wander along the high mountain trails may see the Chough, the Snowfinch and the Black redstart. In the woods, Jays and Green woodpeckers can be seen while the Buzzard and other lovely birds patrol the skies. On the lakes aquatic birds such as Grey herons and Ducks can be seen. Obviously, there are plenty of insects abound, including some rare species.

History and Culture 
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is one of the oldest Italian national parks. It has always been considered one of the main sites of conservation of nature in the country, it is exemplary in showing that Italian parks are the places that best display the ideal relationship between human beings and nature. The search for a possible balance between the activities of anthropogenic communities and the resources offered by natural environments is rediscovered in the design of the land, developed in occupied land and countryside, insinuated within woods and pastures, and unravelled along the course of migrations. Typical of the mountainous countryside and the pastures are the abandoned areas of Mt. Marsicano, displaying the life and activity of man in these mountains. The towns of Opi and Civitella Alfedena are valid examples of historic centres built as an attempt to find the best possible adaptation to the site, environmental conditions, and historic and socio-economic requirements; in both towns, houses were built in limestone, tiled roofs, wooden accessories and fireplaces traditionally used to heat houses. The town centre of Opi is developed in such a way that gives preference to the mountain ridge and the longitudinal articulation along the main road, while Civitella Alfedena is perched at the foot of the mountains. The town centre of Villetta Barrea and Pescasseroli, home to noble families, boast several patrician palaces. The town of Scanno, although outside the Park, is strongly tied to it. This town has a beautiful historic centre characterized by long rows of old houses. At the edge of the Park, at the foot of Mainarde on the Molise side, lie the towns of 'Cerro al Volturno' with its magnificent castle and Rocchetta Volturno with the lovely San Vincenzo Abbey, site of significant importance throughout the medieval period. This abbey contains the crypt of Abbot Epifanio and several treasured frescoes of the 9th century. Major historical events have left their mark on this region. The presence of Benedictine monks diffused and kept alive the Christian culture for all of the medieval period in the valleys with the Abbeys and Monasteries such as the San Vincenzo al Volturno. The Saracens sacked the borgos and countryside during the 9th century but also enriched the culture and developed the village of San Biagio Saracinisco.

Typical Products and Craftwork
The local inhabitants carry out ancient practices of herding and agricultural activities tied to a subsistence economy. Still today, with the help of modernization, one of the main resources of the inhabitants is agriculture, along with all the activities that lead to the harvesting of vegetables. There are rural woodcraft and wrought iron as well as suede industries that survive locally. In Scanno, lace crafting and embroidered pillows, gold and silver threads and embroidery used for making religious objects are also produced. Typical foods are spaghetti alla chitarra (home made typical pasta), ravioli filled with ricotta and cheese, grilled lamb, pecorino and grilled scamorza. Typical desserts such as Pan dell'Orso made with almond cream and chocolate and pan di spagna made into shapes of dolls or horses for children, are usually made in Gioia dei Marsi.

Tourist Information 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - L'Aquila Tel. 0862/22306 Fax 0862/27486 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Pescasseroli (AQ) Tel. 0863/910097 Fax 0863/910461 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Scanno (AQ) Tel. 0864/74317 Fax 0864/747121 
•	Ente Provinciale per il Turismo - Isernia Tel. 0865/3992 Fax 0865/50771 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica - Frosinone Tel. 0775/83381 Fax 0775/833837

ARCIPELAGO TOSCANO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Toscana
Provinces: Grosseto, Livorno
Size: 16.996 hectares of land surface, 56.766 hectares of sea surface
Institution: L. 28/08/89, n. 305; DD.MM. 21/07/89-29/08/90; D.P.R. 22/07/96
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano - Via Guerrazzi, 1 - 57037 Portoferraio (LI) Tel. 0565/919411 - Fax 0565/919428
E-mail: parco@isoleditoscana.it
Web: www.isoleditoscana.it

How to Get There 
The islands are accessible by the sea. Ferries leave from Livorno for Gorgona, Capraia and Elba; from Piombino for Elba (auto transport also available); and from Porto S. Stefano for Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo.

In Brief 
Instituted in 1996, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park is distinguished for its intense and positive activities in creating nature trails and park structures accessible to a widespread public. 
8 out of 9 structures in the Park including equipped areas, panoramic views, museums, and aquariums, are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. In addition, there is also a nature trail for the blind. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002). 
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0565/919411	Via Guerrazzi 1, 57037, Portoferraio (LI)	NO	
"FORTEZZA PISANA"	Local Authority Office	0565/901030	Loc. Fortezza Pisana, 57030, Marciana, (LI)	YES	
RIO NELL'ELBA "I LAVATOI"	Local Authority Office		Loc. I Lavatoi, 57039, Rio nell'Elba (LI)	YES	
CAPRAIA "LA SALATA"	Local Authority Office	0586/905138	Loc. La Salata, 57032, Capraia Isola (LI)	YES	
EQUIPPED AREAS AND SCENIC POINTS	Recreational Areas and Scenic Points		Isola d'Elba (along the main roads)	YES	
VILLA DI S. MARTINO NAPOLEONIC MUSEUM	Museum	0565/914688	Loc. San Martino, 57037, Portoferraio (LI)	YES (Ground floor only)	
LINGUELLA ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM	Museum	0565/917338	Loc. La Linguella, 57037, Portoferraio (LI)	YES (Ground floor only)	
ELBA AQUARIUM	Aquarium	0565/977885	Loc. Segagnana, 57034, Campo nell'Elba (LI)	YES	
LA PICCOLA MINIERA (THE SMALL MINE)	Museum	0565/95350	Loc. Pianetto, 57036, Porto Azzurro (LI)	YES	
MINERAL MUSEUM	Museum	0565/962088	Via Magenta 26, 57038, Rio Marina (LI)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
Many of the islands of the Archipelago are not generally open to the public, therefore specific indications for each will now be listed. 
Gorgona: this island hosts a prison, making visits possible only with private transport upon specific permit requested to the Park Authority. 
Pianosa: private transport access is possible upon request to the Park Authority. The public may also visit the Park on Tuesdays with the public ferry service departing from Porto Azzurro (Elba island) at 9:45 and leaving Pianosa at 13:35. Only the town centre is accessible to visitors with mobility limitation.
Montecristo: access is consented with private means and the authorization of the Follonica (Livorno) Forestry Department (CFS), Tel 0566/40019, Fax 0566/40611. After obtaining authorization upon arrival, further authorization must be obtained from the Park Authority for research purposes in order to be granted access to the Protected Marine Area. Groups arriving with authorized guides may simply request authorization from the Follonica CFS upon arrival. 
Capraia: access to Cala Rossa and Punto dello Zenobito during the seagull-nesting period is prohibited. Visitors can move freely throughout the rest of the island. The 'La Salata' Park structure is also accessible to visitors with disabilities. 
Elba, Giglio, Giannutri: these islands are open to visitors; public transport is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
Trail also for the blind people	Piana in Loc. Monte Perone	Campo nell'Elba (LI)	Scenic area of Loc. Monte Perone	Campo nell'Elba (LI)	15-20 min	200	Yes	

Park Outline 
The institution of this Park (1996) was preceded by a long period of controversy and debate due to local diffidence and hostility on the part of some people who felt threatened (particularly hunters and fishermen): this to the extent that at one point it seemed the Park would never come to be. Ultimately the agreed boundaries of the Park, although not the best and sometimes the cause of management difficulties, should allow the Archipelago to develop a tourism industry sustainable with the Park needs. The Park includes the seven islands of Tuscany on the Tyrrhenian Sea: Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri, in addition to a strip of sea surrounding the islands of Capraia, Montecristo, Gorgona and Giannutri. The island of Montecristo has been a State Natural Reserve since 1971. The islands' landscapes are very different from one another: their different geological origins influenced their morphology. Capraia is the only island of completely volcanic origin; Giglio, Montecristo, and Elba are also mainly granites, while Gorgona is comprised mostly of metamorphic rock. Giannutri, Pianosa and the small islands-pinnacles, the Formiche of Grosseto are almost entirely of limestone rocks. Elba is the largest and most diverse island; Montecristo is a singular rocky cone shaped island and Pianosa is a flat long island. Despite their differences, the seven islands have similar environments: clear waters, caves, and promontories.

Wildlife 
Typical vegetation on the Archipelago islands includes Mediterranean maquis with high shrubs such as the Heath tree and the Strawberry tree; in areas blown by strong winds lower shrubs, such as the Rockrose are typical. On Mount Capanna on the island of Elba, the highest point of elevation reaches 1.018 meters; on the mountain, sweet chestnut and European hop hornbeam are present. Amongst flowers, commonly found are the Dusty miller, the Stock, the Sardinian sea lily as well as some endemic island species such as the Common toalflax, the Capraia cornflower and the Elba violet. 
Birds are the most represented animal species, with the Herring eagle, the Audouin's gull, the Pygmy cormoran, the Raven, the Pilgrim falcon and many other small varieties of birds. Numerous migratory birds travel to the islands in the spring. The Pine marten is the most representative mammal of the area while, in terms of reptiles and amphibians, the Montecristo viper, the Wall lizard, the Sardinian tree frog and the Sardinian discoglossus are present. At sea is possible to sight Bottlenose dolphins and even, though less commonly, Whales.

History and Culture 
The most recent ice age, dating back from 11,000 to 80,000 years ago, made it possible for Neanderthal men to inhabit the Tuscan Archipelago islands. Important prehistoric events have come to light thanks to research carried out by palaeontologists on the islands of Elba, Giglio, and Giannutri. Mining activities, which characterized the history and landscape of Elba, were started from the Etruscans. Romans occupied the island for trade purposes and left traces of their presence including roads ruins and patrician villas such as Villa dei Domizi in Giannutri and Villa Agrippa in Pianosa. In addition, numerous parts of Roman sea vessels have been found around the shores of Giglio Island. Less ancient architecture includes one of the most predominant Tuscan abbeys, founded in the 7th century by Gregory the first. From the Pisan domination period, between the 11th and 17th centuries, there are the watchtowers and fortresses, built to defend the population from the Saracens, as well as many Romanesque churches including the Volterraio Castle and the Marciana Fortress of Elba; the Giglio castle walls and towers; the Torre Vecchia of Gorgona; the church of St. Stefano and the parishes of Capolivieri and St. Lorenzo of Elba. The Tower of Campese on the island of Giglio dated from the 16th century. The island of Elba, which was occupied by the Spanish, still has a large Catalan population with the church of the Madonna of Monserrato, a replica of a Spanish sanctuary. Terraces, vineyards and tracks are common throughout the island landscapes. There is a fascinating historic road that connects the Giglio Island Port and Castle, crossing the maquis and marked by wide granitic steps and passing by granitic pools traditionally used to squash grapes in winemaking. Structures of historic importance include the home inhabited by Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on Elba, Villa Mulini and the Napoleon Villa-Demidoff Gallery, both in Portoferrario.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Hard stone working is a flourishing industry, even though the stones are not anymore always of local origin. The main local seafood dishes are: the cacciucco a tomato-based fish soup; the sburrita riese made from spiced salted cod; the boiled octopus and different dishes made using the pesce azzurro, which is the typical Mediterranean catch of anchovies and sardines. Another typical dish is called the gurguglione, which is a mixed vegetable soup with onion, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers seasoned with basil. Among the finest local sweets are the corolli and schiaccia briaca a dough made with flour, wine, alchermes, walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts). 
Cultivations of lemons are expanding and make the bases for an excellent local limoncello. Among the most prominent products of the Archipelago are the Elba island wines which date back to Roman times. Plinius defined Elba as the island of good wine. The fame it enjoyed throughout medieval times continues to this day thanks to a large number of wineries that carefully maintain ancient traditions. Some of the best wines are the white Ansonica and Aleatico. Numerous variations of organic honey are also produced on the islands.

Tourist Information 
•	Agenzia per il turismo Costa degli Etruschi - Livorno Tel.0586/204611 Fax 0586/896173 
•	Agenzia per il turismo dell'Arcipelago Toscano - Portoferraio (LI) Tel. 0565/914671 Fax 0565/916350 
ASINARA NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Descripion: National Park
Region: Sardegna
Province: Sassari
Size: 5.170 hectares of land surface and 21.790 of sea surface
Institution: L. n. 344/1997; D.M. 28/11/97
Main Office: Comitato di Gestione Provvisorio del Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara - Via Iosto, 7 - 07046 Porto Torres (SS) - Tel. 079/503388 - Fax 079/501415 
E-mail: parco@asinara.org
Web: www.parcoasinara.it

How to Get There 
By car: from Sassari on freeway SS n. 131 to Porto Torres; upon arrival, the ferry to the island or the provincial highway to Stintino.
By ferry: from Porto Torres or Stintino where there is a ferry service to the island. Porto Torres can also be reached from Genova by ferry.

In Brief 
Despite its recent creation and the fact that the Park is a protected area, the management staff of the Asinara National Park has successfully created facilities that can be used by a widespread public. 
5 out of the 10 facilities - including centres for environmental education, cafes, points of special interest etc. - can also be enjoyed to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. The management staff of the Park has facilitated Park access for such people through its connection to the mainland via specially authorized boats to Asinara. More detailed information is available in the following report (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHOTITY	Main Office	079/503388	Via Iosto 7, 07046, Porto Torres (SS)	NO	
PARK AUTHOTITY	Main Office (openig soon)		Cala Reale, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	YES	
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER	Enviromental Educational Centre		Cala d'Oliva, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	YES	
CANTEEN (OPENING SOON)	Cafeteria		Cala Reale, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	YES	
VISITOR SERVICE CENTER	Visitor Center		Cala Reale, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	YES	
VISITOR SERVICE CENTER	Visitors Center		Fornelli, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	YES	
RESIDENCE OF THE DIRECTOR	Company Residence		Cala d'Oliva, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	NO	
CALA D'OLIVA	Local Authority Office	079/409440	Cala d'Oliva, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	NO	
CALA SABINA	Picnic and Rest Area		Cala d'Oliva, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	NO	
ELIGHE MANNU	Picnic and Rest Area		Elighe Mannu, 07046, Isola Asinara, Porto Torres (SS)	NO	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The island can only be visited after having received authorization from the Provisional Management Committee.

Park Outline 
Asinara was created as a self-contained National Park in accordance with L. n. 344/97. It hosted a prison for many years. Asinara is, in effect, the last island of this size within the whole Mediterranean area that doesn't contain any significant residential areas. The Asinara National Park also safeguards an area of the North-western coast of Sardegna, which includes the island of Asinara itself and its surrounding waters. The old prison structure, which was still in use up to only a few years ago, is present on the island.

Wildlife 
Mediterranean vegetation, also known as the Mediterranean maquis, completely covers the island although fires and other sources of environmental degradation have thinned out the vegetation. A small wood of Holm oaks, near the northernmost point, is a reminiscent of the original vegetation covering the island. The western coast is higher and includes steep slopes while the eastern coast is flat. The highest point reaches 408 meters and is called the Punta della Scomunica. 
The island also holds a limited number of small Albino donkeys, which are a special yet mysterious characteristic of the Park, because the origin of these animals is unknown. A small herd of Mouflons, the descendants of a pair introduced about ten years ago, roams the rockiest areas of the island. Birds, however, are the most numerous species present on the island. Many birds rest on the island during their migrations or use it as a refuge during their nesting periods. These include the Barbary partridge, the Peregrine falcon, the Herring gull, the Pygmy cormorant and the rare Audouin's gull. The sea surrounding the island is also rich in sea life, which includes coloured Sea anemone, Star-fish, Sea fan, Octopus, Moray, Dusky perch and White seabream which live in the vast underwater sea prairie of Mediterranean seagrass. Recreational fishing, but not commercial fishing, has always been forbidden in this area as also was underwater diving because of the presence of the prison. Today, these activities are strictly regulated due to the presence of the Park.

History and Culture 
Numerous findings of flint and obsidian tools demonstrate the long presence of human life on the island since pre-nuraghic times. Plinius the Elder called the island "The island of Hercules" and it was an anchoring point for ancient navigators throughout the centuries. Various derelict ships have been found along the coasts including lead bars embossed with the ancient Roman stamp. Between the Middle Ages and the 16th century, Asinara was a battlefield in the battles between Pisa and Genoa against the Saracen pirates. For long periods, however, the island was deserted or inhabited only by small groups of shepherds in a subsistence economy. Buildings of historical interest are also present, such as the Monastery built by the Camaldolesi in the XII century in the area of S. Andrea and the fortifications of Torri di Cala d'Oliva, Cala Arena and Punta Trabucato. The hills of Fornelli also host the ruins of Castellaccio. Asinara suffered isolation in the last century; first as a Health Quarantine Station and later as a WWI Prison Camp. Following this, and until only a few years ago, it was an high security Italian prison for terrorists and members of organized crime.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
The local cuisine is greatly influenced by the presence of the sea (the area of Sassari in particular) and local specialities include grilled fish, lobster and first courses such as maccaroni which is a pasta dish with shellfish and crustaceans. A fine Sardinian Vermentino wine accompanies these dishes. The carasau or carta de musica local bread is also highly recommended.

Tourist Information 
•	Ente Provinciale del Turismo - Sassari Tel. 079/299544 Fax 079/299415 
•	Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo - Sassari Tel. 079/231777 Fax 079/237585 
•	Pro-Loco - Porto Torres (SS) Tel./Fax 079/515000

ASPROMONTE NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Calabria
Province: Reggio Calabria
Size: 76.053 hectares
Institution: L. no. 305/89; D.P.R. 14/01/94
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte - Via Aurora - 89050 Gambarie di S. Stefano in Aspromonte (RC) - Tel. 0965/743060 - Fax 0965/743026
E-mail: enteparcoaspromonte@tin.it 
Web: www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.aspromonte 

How to Get There 
By car: from the North, take highway A3 to the exit for Bagnara di Calabria and continue towards Gambarie di Santo Stefano d'Aspromonte. From Reggio Calabria, take the freeway SS n. 184 Gallico-Gambarie.
By train: Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria are the closest railway stations.

In Brief 
The Aspromonte National Park has only recently been established. The complexity and the nature of the territory have not permitted the Park Authority to make rapid progress with setting up sufficient structures to cover the entire area. However, please note that three of the seven structures built including area offices, museums, ecological areas, hostels, etc., are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. More detailed information is available in the following report. (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0965/743060	Via Aurora, 89050, Gambarie (RC)	NO	
PARK AUTHORITY	Local Authority Office	0965/324305	Via De Nava, 89100, Reggio Calabria (RC)	NO	
NATIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM	Archeological Museum	0965/812255	P.zza De Nava 26, 89100, Reggio Calabria (RC)	YES	
EQUIPPED OUTDOOR FACILITY	Picnic Rest Area		Località Madonnina, 89033, Bova (RC)	YES	
"EX PRO LOCO" AREA	Picnic Rest Area		Località Trepidò, 89010, Molochio (RC)	YES	
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM	Museum		Cittanova, 89010, Cittanova (RC)	NO	
YOUTH HOSTEL	Youth Hostel		Località Zomaro, 89010, Cittanova (RC)	NO	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
There are many itineraries that one can follow in the area, simply by following one of the well-marked forest paths. One path leads to the steep Pietra Cappa rock, passing through an ancient sweet chestnut woods on the way. Another one leads to Lake Costantino, starting from San Luca. Additionally it is highly recommended visiting the Montalto and Maesano waterfalls. For more information, contact the Park Authority or the Forestry Command Station in Basilico' and the Aspromonte Excursionist Group.

Park Outline 
The establishment of the Calabria National Park (in 1968) originally seemed to be a positive interruption in the long period of Italy's lack of interest in national parks (the last preceding opening was Stelvio in 1953). Not entirely without reason, environmentalists saw it as a mere facade that did not increase the amount of protected land by a single metre (it was originally divided into three pre-existing State-owned forests, as well as between Sila and Aspromonte). After much controversy, the mistake was corrected by the issuing of L. no. 394/91, establishing Aspromonte as a national park of its own right (successively instituted by decree in January 1994), covering the entire area. The territory of the Aspromonte National Park is entirely located within Calabria, the southernmost part of the Italian peninsula facing Sicily. It is an enormous pyramid-shaped rock formation that rises steeply from sea level to a summit of 1955 meters at Montalto. It is also the final expanse of the Calabrian Apennines - a term used by geologists to indicate the mountainous region located between Sila, Serre and Aspromonte - highlighting the fact that these mountains, composed of crystalline rock and granites, have a different geological origin to the Apennines that are of sedimentary origin with a high percentage of limestone that stretch all the way to Southern Italy with the Pollino and Orsomarso mountains. The highest elevation of the rock formations is characterised by a series of tablelands; the slopes fall away into the sea with giant terraces, called plains or fields, separated by steep cliffs. Another characteristic is that of sharp pinnacles alternated by gorges that cradle rivers or waterfalls. The torrents of Aspromonte bear large beds of debris that are dry for most of the year, but that can suddenly become flooded with water during winter storms. Following the course of the Bonamico Torrent, for example, it is possible to reach Lake Costantino: one of the few European lakes originated by a landslide that blocked the waterway (the difference between this and other lakes that were formed in this way, such as Lake Scanno, is that Lake Costantino does not date back to geological times but to more recent times: December 31, 1972!). One river valley of particular beauty is the Valley of the Ferraina Torrent where the rocks that have been shaped by the wind and the age-old oaks that have been struck by lightning offer a landscape that is fascinating, unique and irreplaceable.

Wildlife 
The large mountain-top woodlands of Aspromonte are made up of Beech trees or of a mix of European larch (a pine that is characteristic of the Sila and Aspromonte region) or even Beeches mixed with Silver firs (which was a very common tree in the Apennine woodlands centuries ago, but is now very rare). At lower elevations Oak trees are present and near the seashore there are Mediterranean shrubs such as Oleander and Tamarisk which grow along the rivers. Among the herbaceous plants are the giant and rare Ferns of tropical origin, the Woodwardia radicans, and the Digitalis purpurea, an extremely poisonous plant with large red flowers. Aspromonte is the only place on the peninsula where this plant can be found (the species is widespread in Sardinia and Corsica). 
Concerning animal life in the Park, the most important presence is the extremely rare Bonelli's eagle (less known than the more common Golden eagle); the number of specimens present in Italy can be literally counted on one hand. Wolves, which had disappeared in the '50s, have recently returned to the mountains. There is also apparently a relatively large population of the elusive Wildcat in addition to numerous Wildboars and Porcupines. Other interesting species are the Black woodpecker and the Eagle owl, in that both species are quite rare to Italy. It is worth noting that, in the spring, the Messina Strait is a very popular point of transit for birds of prey migrating from Africa towards Europe. This makes Aspromonte an exceptional observatory for bird lovers.

History and Culture 
The Aspromonte area is a land that has always had close cultural ties with the Eastern Mediterranean, ties that are seen in the art, architecture and popular traditions. The history of the territory of the Aspromonte region is an ancient one. Traces of a Neolithic past can be found all over the Park grounds, especially in the area of Bova. The Via Grande, a ridge path that links the Massiccio dell'Aspromonte with Serre, has also prehistoric roots. This path has been used for thousands of years and it remains visible to this day. Greek colonization in the 7th century spread throughout the Ionic area, bearing signs of the broad civilization and culture that in Southern Italy was called Magna Grecia. Locri, near the Park's borders, is home to the remains of the Sanctuary of Persephone and of a ring of walls. Fortifications and ditches found in the archaeological area of Passo del Mercante date back to the Roman era. Between the 7th and 12th centuries AD, the territory of the Aspromonte witnessed new migrations of Greek peoples. These more recent cultural crossovers were kept alive both in the spoken language, the so-called Grecanica, used in a few areas of the southern tip of Calabria such as Bova, Roccaforte del Greco, Roghudi, Condofuri, as well as in the particular design of some important elements of the landscape. At Pietra Cappa, in the town of San Luca, high rounded cliffs filled with caverns and dominated by Byzantine monasteries bring to mind the Meteore of Cappadoccia. Beautiful Norman architecture is also worth noting, such as the Church of Santa Maria Tridetti in Pietro Castello, the Sanctuary of Polsi in Bagnania Calabria, the splendid Cathedral of Gerace, the Churches of Santa Maria del Mastro, San Giovenello, and Saint Francis. A final word must be said on the residential area of Cittanova with its radiant 18th century urban plan.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Numerous typical products are produced in the area, the terracottas, ceramics, hand woven fabrics and wrought iron being particularly noteworthy. Special mention goes to woodwork that ranges from simple kitchen tools (spoons, bowls) to exquisite pipes carved from the wood of heath trees. Also characteristic to the area, especially at lower elevations, are the fragrant bergamot and jasmine orchards that produce delicate essences used in the perfume industry. Traditional mountain dishes include macaroni with pork or goat meat sauce, timbales, fried tripe with hot pepper, cold cuts such as soppresata and sausages. Desserts include gelato cakes as well as toffees made with almonds, honey or pine nuts.

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica di Reggio Calabria Tel. 0965/21171 - Fax 0965/890947 

CALABRIA NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Calabria
Provinces: Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone
Size: 11.803 hectares
Institution: L. 02/04/68, no. 503; DD.MM. 20/06/82-08/08/85; L. 06/12/91, n. 394; L. 08/10/97, n. 344 (L. n. 344/97 establishes the Sila National Park). The Sila Grande and the Sila Piccola were already part of the Calabria National Park, as well as the other areas located between the two. The definitive boundaries of the Sila National Park are currently being drawn up and due to this, the borders outlined on the map are merely representational). 
Main office: Ente di Gestione Ex-ASFD - Viale della Repubblica, 26 - 87100 Cosenza - Tel. 0984/76760 - Fax 0984/71093
E-mail: parco.calabria@tin.it 
Web: www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.calabria 

How to Get There 
By car: from the North, the Park can be reached from the highway A3; from the South from the freeway SS 106.
For SILA GRANDE: from the North, take the highway A3 to the Cosenza exit, then take freeway SS 107 towards Camigliatello, then take the freeway SS 177 towards Cupone. From the East, take the freeway SS 106 towards Mirto Crosia and then towards Longobucco.
For SILA PICCOLA: from the North, take the highway A3 to the Cosenza exit, then follow the freeway SS 107 towards Silvana Mansio-Lorica to the freeway SS 179 for Gariglione. From the East, take the freeway SS 106 towards Crotone, then take freeway SS 107 towards Crotone and then Lago Ampollino.

In Brief 
Established in 1968, the Calabria National Park is the youngest of the so-called historic parks. While waiting for its name to be changed to Sila National Park and for its new borders to be established, the Park continues to be managed by the Ex-ASFD (Former Agency for State Forests) and the old borders remain in place. There are numerous structures and pathways that are for the most part accessible to a large number of visitors. In particular 14 out of 17 locations, offices, nature areas, information centres, botanical gardens, etc., are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. More details is available in the following report and in the Itinerary section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY COSENZA	Main Office	0984/76760	Viale della Repubblica 26, 87100, Cosenza (CS)	NO	
CUPONE FOREST RANGER HEADQUARTERS	Local Authority Ofice	0984/579757	Località Cupone, 87058, Spezzano Sila (CS)	NO	
CUPONE PICNIC AREA	Rest Area			YES	
GOLIA WILDLIFE AREA	Wildlife Area			NO	
CUPONE NATURAL CENTRE	Visitor Center			YES	
CUPONELLO INFORMATION CENTRE	Information Center			YES	
CUPONE BOTANICAL GARDEN	Botanical Garden			YES	
SBANDITI ARBORETUM	Arboretum			YES	
GEOLOGICAL GARDEN	Geological Garden			YES	
PARK AUTHORITY CATANZARO AND CROTONE	Main Office	0961/744304	37100, Catanzaro (CZ)	YES	
FOREST RANGER STATION	Visitor Center	0961/931278	Buturo, Albi (CZ)	YES	
FOREST RANGER STATION	Visitor Center	0961/992030	Monaco, Taverna (CZ)	YES	
ANIMAL PENS	Environmental Education Center			YES	
REST AREA	Rest Area			YES	
NATURAL PATHS	Rest Area			YES	
ENVIRONMENTAL AND FORESTRY DUCATIONAL CENTRE	Environmental and Forestry Education Center			YES	
AMPITHEATER	Visitors Center			YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The Park offers numerous options for hiking, horse riding and cycling. Although the Park was established many years ago, tourism research and educational activities have only recently been developed, also due to the presence of local youth community groups. All three park areas have numerous paths that can be taken at any time of the year. It is advisable to get a map of the area. The following are itineraries for the different areas of the Park:
Area of Sila Piccola
Monte Gariglione: This is a two-hour route which leads to the peak of Gariglione (1765 m), starting from the Forest Station of the same name, located at an elevation of 1654 m.
Sila Piccola: A 5-6 hour hike that highlights the most interesting natural aspects of this part of the Park (grazing fields, woods, torrents). The route starts and ends a short distance from the Village of Trivolo, continues through Colle del Telegrafo and then meets up with the Peciaro torrent and the Tacina river. It also passes through the well-known Pulitrea forest.
Area of Sila Grande
Segheria Cupone, Bosco del Corvo, Cozzo del Principe, Greenhouse: an easy, 4-5 hour long path that passes through some of the most beautiful areas of the Park reaching Ponte della Fossiata (Fossiata Bridge); from this point one can return to the starting point via a paved road that leads to the sawmill.
Segheria Cupone, Quattro Vie, Serra Ripolata, Greenhouse: This is the longest and most strenuous route (5 to 6 hours). It thoroughly covers the natural areas of the Sila Grande.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL (IN METERS)	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
EDUCATIONAL TRAIL	Cupone	Spezzano Sila(CS)	Cupone	Spezzano Sila (CS)	2 hours	3300	YES	
BOTANICAL GARDEN TRAIL	Cupone	Spezzano Sila(CS)	Cupone	Spezzano Sila (CS)	30 min.	350	YES	
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE TRAIL	Monaco	Taverna (CZ)	Monaco	Taverna (CZ)	40 min.	600	YES	
TRAIL ALSO FOR THE VISIUALLY IMPAIRED	Monaco	Taverna (CZ)	Monaco	Taverna (CZ)	40 min.	600	YES	

Park Outline 
The institution of the so-called Calabria National Park in 1968 (in reality, simply a combination of three pre-existing State owned forests that are located far-apart from each other), did not satisfy Italian environmentalists who considered it to be a mere façade. When the two distinct parks of Aspromonte and Sila were established between 1994 and 1997, they were enlarged to also include other important neighbouring territory. The Calabria National Park - which will be soon replaced by the establishment of the Sila National Park, the boundaries of which are still being drawn up - currently encompasses two distinct areas. One is in the province of Cosenza (Sila Grande), the other is in the provinces of Catanzaro and Crotone (Sila Piccola). It also includes the territory between them that is of significant environmental interest or priority. The Sila is a low mountain chain (more like a series of plateaus than an actual mountain range), made up of sedimentary, metamorphic and magmatic rock. There are three artificial lakes in Sila Grande: The Cecita, Ampollino and Arvo. Two waterways also cross the landscape: the Cecita torrent and the Neto river. The main peaks are Monte Gariglione in Sila Piccola with a maximum peak of 1.765 metres and the Monte Pettina Scura in Sila Grande that reaches an elevation of 1.685 meters. The name Sila comes from the Latin word silva or forest, given because of the great wealth of trees in the area. The Sila forests have been subjected to centuries of land use and abuse going back to Roman times and this has greatly changed their original characteristics. Despite so, they remain an important ecological heritage worthy of careful protection.

Wildlife 
The Sila forests appear very different in modern times than they did originally. The development of grazing land and agriculture, together with tree logging, has greatly depleted them. Nevertheless, they are still very attractive, both for their majestic Beech woods and for their centuries old Larch pine forests (a local variety of pine - seen mostly in the Sila Grande area). Male ferns grow vigorously in the understorey and are collected by florists and shepherds as a choice of wrapping for fresh cheeses. There are many species of botanical interest such as the Genista anglica, locally referred to as Ciciarella which is a geographically oddity as it can only be found in Calabria. It is unusual to find this plant in the heart of the Mediterranean because is a species that is typical of European Atlantic heathlands. 
The Sila is an extremely interesting oasis for wildlife. Many diverse species can be found here, including some rare ones or others that are at extinction risk; i.e. a good number of Apennine wolves live in the area. Small herd of Roe deer can be found throughout the Park, while the Red deer is currently part of a reintroduction programme. Wildboars can be found in the woods at lower elevations. Other mammals present in the Park are: Foxes, Badgers, Pine martens, Brown hares, Steenmartens, Weasels, Dormice, Red squirrels (called Zaccanella in the local dialect). There is a rich variety of birds including the rare Bonelli's eagle, the extremely rare Egyptian vulture (a small vulture), the Short-toed eagle, the Sparrow hawk, the Red kite and the Peregrine falcon. Nocturnal birds of prey include the Eagle owl, the Tawny owl and the Long-eared owl. There are also Rock partridges, Quails, Snipes, Jack snipes and Great snipes that inhabit the grasslands. Black woodpeckers can be found in the forests though they are rare to the Apennine region.

History and Culture 
The Sila truly is - as described back in 1770 - the "Great Wood of Italy". Virgil and Strabone praised the beauty and prosperity of its forests. The prehistoric peoples of the southern Apennine area, the Sibari and Bruzi, used its woods as did the Roman troops, the medieval church builders, the architects for Gregory the Great's Papal Palace in Rome, and the common shepherds and the people of Calabria. The intense and prolonged use of the Sila's natural resources left evidence on the nature and aspect of the Park's landscape. A skilled observer can immediately recognise how deteriorate the territory is, can recognize sheep tracks, the damage of deforestation and the young age of the forest trees; all these features demonstrate the need for proper management and reconstruction of the southern Italian mountain culture. The Park's boundaries exclude housing settlements and important monuments. An exception is the artisan district of Longobusso, best known for is fabric industries, whose medieval character is highlighted by a 12th century bell tower. Beyond the Park's borders is the town of S. Giovanni in Fiore with the Parish House and the Badia Florense; Spezzano della Sila with Palazzo Monaco, the Church of S. Biagio, the Monastery of the Padri Minimi and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In Rossano, traces of the influence of the Greco-Byzantine culture can be seen in the style of the Churches of San Marco and Santa Maria del Patire and in the Codex Purpureus, a sixth century illuminated manuscript housed in the local diocesan museum.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
S. Giovanni in Fiore is a traditional fabric production area in the region, in particular producing oriental style rugs for which a specialized school has been set up with master craft men from Armenia. To a lesser degree, the area is also home to traditional gold working production. Within the Park's borders there is a location that masters a unique craft, using coloured pine cones (Grande Segheria di Cupone, near Cecita Lake).

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica di Cosenza Tel. 0984/27485 Fax 0984/27304 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica di Catanzaro Tel. 0961/741764 Fax 0961/727973 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica di Crotone Tel. 0962/23185 Fax 0962/26700

CILENTO E VALLO DI DIANO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Campania
Province: Salerno
Size: 178.172 hectares
Institution: L. n. 394/91; DD.MM. 04/12/92-05/08/93; D.P.R. 05/06/95 
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano - Via Filippo Palumbo, 18 c/o Palazzo Mainenti - 84078 Vallo della Lucania (SA) - Tel. 0974/719911 - Fax 0974/7199217
E-mail: info@pncvd.it 
Web: www.pncvd.it 

How to Get There 
By car: take the highway A3 that passes through the park next to the Vallo di Diano or take the road along the coast.
By train: practically all of the towns along the coastline of the Park have railway stops. A local line passes through the Park, running parallel to the highway A3.

In Brief 
The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, the largest National Park in Italy, was founded only recently. Despite this, the Park Authority has worked with great dedication to create some 59 facilities, including animal oases, animal hospitals, environmental educational centres, visitor centres etc. Park Authority reports state that eight of these structures are accessible to persons with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0974/719911	Via Filippo Palumbo 18 c/o Palazzo Mainenti, 84078, Vallo della Lucania (SA)	NO	
"PIESCO" FAUNA HAVEN	Wildlife Area	0974/942014	Loalità Piesco, 84065, Piaggine (SA)	NO	
BIRD OF PREY SHELTER	Wildlife Area	0974/836455	Via S. Stefano snc, 84074, Sessa Cilento (SA)	NO	
CEA CASTEL SAN LORENZO	Environmental Educational Centre	0828/946124	Via Vigna della Corte 21, 84049, Castel San Lorenzo (SA)	YES	
CEA LUSTRA CILENTO	Environmental Educational Centre	338/8838686	Corso Garibaldi Rocca C snc, 84050, Lustra (SA)	YES	
CEA STIO	Environmental Educational Centre	338/2593262	Via Mon. Stromillo fraz. Gorga, 84075, Stio (SA)	YES	
CASTEL RUGGERO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0974/985336	Località Perato, 84040, Torre Orsaia (SA)	YES	
PARK LIBRARY	Research and Study Centre	0974/845494	Via della Posta frazione di Vatolla, 84060, Perdifumo (SA)	YES	
AGROPOLI LOCAL CENTRE	Information centre	0974/828261	C. so Garibaldi 38, 84043, Agropoli (SA)	YES	
NATIONAL ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM	Museum	0828/811023	Via Magna Grecia, Paestum Capaccio, (SA)	YES	
MUSEUM OF THE SEA	Museum	0974/905059	Via Caracciolo, 84068, Pioppi (SA)	YES	
ELEÙSA HISTORIC RCHIVE MUSEUM	Museum	0974/903312	Via Provinciale, 84070, S. Mauro C.to (SA)	NO	
ALBANELLA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/781713	P.zza Cavalieri Vitt. Veneto, Albanella (SA)	N/A	
AQUARA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/962633	Via Garibaldi 15, 84020, Aquara (SA)	N/A	
ASCEA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/972475	P.zza Europa 84 Marina Ascea, 84046, Ascea (SA)	N/A	
CASALBUONO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0975/862025	Via Roma, 84030, Casalbuono (SA)	N/A	
CASELLE IN PITTARI LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/988616	Viale Roma 22, 84030, Caselle in Pittari (SA)	N/A	
CASTEL SAN LORENZO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/946124	Via Vigna della Corte 21, 84049 Castel San, Lorenzo (SA)	N/A	
CASTELNUOVO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/715010	Fraz. Velina Casal Velino Scalo, 84040, Castelnuovo (SA)	N/A	
BULGHERIA LOCAL CENTRE	Information centre	0974/987573	Via Roma, 27 Celle di B., 84040, Celle di Bulgheria (SA)	N/A	
CENTOLA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/933039	c/o Comune Centola, 84051, Centola (SA)	N/A	
FUTANI LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	347/4227314	C.so Umberto I, 84050, Futani (SA)	N/A	
GIOI CILENTO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	338/3458136	P.zza Vittorio Emanuele, 84056,Gioi (SA)	N/A	
LAURINO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/971039	P.zza A. Magliani snc, 84057, Laurino (SA)	N/A	
MAGLIANO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/992053	Via Spina, 84050, Magliano Vetere (SA)	N/A	
MOIO DELLA CIVITELLA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre		Via Municipio, 84060, Moio della Civitella (SA)	N/A	
MONTE SAN GIACOMO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/515601	Via S. Pertini, 84030, Monte San Giacomo (SA)	N/A	
MONTECORICE LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/964488	Via Nazionale 47, 84060, Montecorice (SA)	N/A	
NOVI VELIA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/65031	Via Porta S. Giorgio, 84060, Novi Velia (SA)	N/A	
ORRIA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/993003	Via Umberto I, 84060, Orria (SA)	N/A	
PERITO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/998003	Via Europa c/o Comune, 84060, Perito (SA)	N/A	
PIAGGINE LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/940024	Strada Cervati, 84065, Piaggine (SA)	N/A	
PISCIOTTA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/973607	Piazza S. Antonio, 84066, Pisciotta (SA)	N/A	
POLLA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0975/390209	Via Campo la Scala, 84035, Polla (SA)	N/A	
POLLICA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/904738	Via Caracciolo, 164 Pioppi, 84060, Pollica (SA)	N/A	
ROCCADASPIDE LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/943520	Via SS. Rosario 2, 84069, Roccadaspide (SA)	N/A	
ROFRANO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/952135	Via Zamilla, 84070, Rofrano (SA)	N/A	
ROSCIGNO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/963069	Piazza S. Resciniti, 84020, Roscigno (SA)	N/A	
S. GIOVANNI A PIRO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/983656	Via Nazionale 12, 84070, S. Giovanni a Piro (SA)	N/A	
S. MAURO C.TO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/903161	c/o comune di S. Mauro c.to, 84070, S. Mauro C.to (SA)	N/A	
S. ANGELO A FASANELLA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/961110	Via E. Fermi 31, 84027, S. Angelo a Fasanella (SA)	N/A	
SANTA MARINA LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/984978	Via Pisacane 10, 84070, Santa Marina (SA)	N/A	
SICIGNANO D. ALBURNI LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0828/973002	c/o Comune, 84029, Sicignano degli Alburni (SA)	N/A	
STELLA CILENTO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/909184	Via Garibaldi, 84070, Stella c.to (SA)	N/A	
STIO LOCAL CENTRE	Information Centre	0974/909184	Via Trieste e Trento, 84075, Stio (SA)	N/A	
ALBURNI NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM	Museum	0828/964296	Via Forese 16, 84020, Corleto Monforte (SA)	N/A	
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM	Museum of Paleontology	0974/983710	c/o Municipio S. Giovanni a Piro, 84070, San Giovanni a Piro (SA)	N/A	
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM	Museum of Herbs and Viridarium	0975/79600	Largo SS. Pietà, 84039, Teggiano (SA)	N/A	
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM	Living Museum of Vallivona	0975/322371	Località Vallivona, 84030, Sanza (SA)	N/A	
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM	Museum of the Sea	0974/905059	c/o Palazzo Vinciprova - Pioppi, 901004, Pollica (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of Farm Life	0828/963377	Roscigno Vecchia, 84020, Roscigno, (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of the traditions and customs of the Vallo di Diano	0975/79600	Piazza Municipio, 84039, Teggiano (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of Farm Life	0974/904421	c/o Municipio, 84040, Casalvelino, (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of Farm Life	0974/66036	Via Municipio, 84060, Moio della Civitella, (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of Farm Life	0974/ 845494	Via della Posta Vatolla, 84060, Perdifumo (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of Farm Life	0974/ 824159	Piazza Torre Ortodonico, 84060, Montecorice (SA)	N/A	
MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum of Farm Life	0974/ 993003	Corso Umberto I, 84060, Orria (SA)	N/A	
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM	Museum	0974/982016	c/o Municipio Morigerati, 84030, Morigerati (SA)	N/A	
ELEUSA MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND POPULAR TRADITION	Museum and Historic Archive	0974/904183	Via Provinciale, 84070, Sanza (SA)	N/A	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
Several choices for interesting excursions are available despite the fact that there are only a few marked trails. Within the Park, it is possible to walk along the Calore river, passing by the Gole di Magliano and Felitto and around the foot of the Cervati mountains through the Gole di Laurino. More expert hikers can climb the Alburni mountains, up Monte Sacro, Monte Stella and Cervati. The cave system Grotte di Castelcivita is the most important in the Campania region. Along the coastline, the Punta Tresino and Punta Licosa panoramic lookouts offer beautiful views and, continuing south, it is also nice to visit the Costa degli Infreschi with a route that departs from Scario. The towns along the coast are also worth visiting because of their position, landscape and the seaside views they offer.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
VESALO	Bosco di Vesalo	Laurino (SA)	Bosco di Vesalo	Laurino (SA)	15 min	1000	YES	

Park Outline 
The protection and the promotion of the area's natural heritage (the Cilento area, including Monti Alburni, Cervati and Gelbison) is guaranteed by the institution of this large national Park that was established in 1995. The current challenge is to overcome and manage the considerable administrative difficulties that arise from its size, the large number of towns involved and the past mistakes made in the coastal areas of Palinuro, Marina di Camerota and Pisciotta. The National Park of Cilento is located in the region of Campania, more specifically in the Province of Salerno, and, out of the entire region, is perhaps the place where building development has had the least impact. The landscape enclosed between the mountains and the rocky coast, from Monti Alburni in Sapri to Vallo di Diano and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Cilento natural heritage area has been conserved in good condition. The most well-known area is Capo Palinuro, a beautiful location with underwater caves and the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Policastro. The interior of the Cilento Park is mountainous. Mounts Alburni and Cervati (the highest peak in Campania at 1.899 m), contain dense woodlands and small streams which run through the vegetation. The coast is jagged, though not very steep and, oddly enough, not ruined by tourist facilities. One of the most beautiful grottoes at Capo Palinuro is the Blue Grotto (the Grotta Azzura) with its two openings. One of these can be reached by boat, the other only by scuba diving. Continuing down south towards Punta Infreschi, one comes across a strip of coastline that is completely uninhabited and therefore fully intact. These places are accessible only via the sea. The Vallo di Diano is a narrow plain located on the bed of an ancient lake, stretching for 27 km. An irrigation system has turned the area into a very fertile agricultural zone.

Wildlife 
The strong contrast between coastline and mountains is the cause of the presence of two different plant ecosystems: one Mediterranean, the other Apennine. The Mediterranean area spreads down the coast, pushing towards the foothills. Typical species include the Holm oak, the Mastic tree, the Cornflower, the True myrtie etc. There are also Aleppo's pine forests. When the area is damaged by fire, the plant life that emerges afterwards includes Thyme and Scotchbroom. The Palinuro primrose is quite well-known as plant endemic to this region, it was discovered along the sloped walls of Capo Palinuro in 1787 by the botanist Petagna; it is a yellow flower that lives on the limestone rock formations facing the sea. Higher up, above the Mediterranean ecosystem, the first patches of woods made up of Maples, Hazels, Downy oaks, Mann ashes, Hornbeams, Turkey oaks and Sweet chestnut trees can be found. Above the 100 metre level, large Beech forests are present (the ones on Monti Alburni and Monte Cervati are particularly beautiful). Some areas even contain natural woodlands of Silver firs, a plant that is rare to the Apennines. 
On the foothills of Monte Cervati, there are forests of the even rarer Silver birch. There are tablelands above the Beech groves. Along the waterways, such as the Calore and the Tanagro, there are a few woods with trees such as Poplars, Willows and Alders. There is also the largest population of Otters in the country. After the Monk seal, this fascinating animal is the Italian mammal most at risk of extinction. The Otter was once hunted for its fur and today it suffers from the terrible state of its natural habitat filled with polluted waters, depleted vegetation and the disrupted riverbeds. The Park is also home to a few Wolves. More commonly found are Badgers, Pine martens, Weasels, Polecats and Foxes. The bird life includes the Golden eagle, the Rock partridge, the Chough (especially in higher elevations) and other species that live along the non-polluted waterways such as the Kingfisher and the Dipper. The Green woodpecker, the Great spotted woodpecker and the rare Black woodpecker also nest here. Sparrowhawks, typical to forest ecosystems, can be found along with other nesting birds of prey such as the Peregrine falcon and the Red and Black kites.

History and Culture 
The Cilento and Vallo di Diano is the first Italian National Park to be listed in UNESCO's ranking of international cultural heritage sites under the cultural landscapes heading, as it is considered an exceptional example of the relationship between man and the natural environment in the Mediterranean, from Palaeolithic times to the present. Signs of prehistoric settlements are found in the dense network of karstic hypogea (underground limestone caves). The most interesting grottoes, for both palaeontological and naturalistic reasons, are those located in the tract of the Costa degli Infreschi, south of Capo Palinuro, as well as those in the area of Monti Alburni, with the Grotto of Castelcivita and the Grotto of the Angel (dell'Angelo) in Pertosa. In the same area as the Alburni mountains, in S. Angelo a Fasanella, an underground cave that has been continuously used since prehistoric times up to the present, hosts a precious chapel dedicated to Saint Michael, one of the many craggy churches in the park. On the peak of Costa Palomba an important sanctuary is home to the Antece, a monolithic sculpture of a human figure, most likely dating back to the bronze age. It dominates a sacred area with an altar and a holy wall. Extremely interesting archaeological sites are located on the Park's northern border which is the Greek colony of Poseidonia-Paestum; and the Elea-Velia colony that lies within the Park. A vast system of Norman-Aragon watchtowers line the coast, connected by fortresses and castles to the main lands. There are numerous medieval settlements along the ridge and the coastline that house an immensely valuable artistic patrimony as can be seen by the myriad of chapels, noble palaces, etc. Some of the most interesting towns are Teggiano, founded by the Romans, in the Vallo di Diano area, and Castellabate, founded by the Benedictine order on a hill facing the bay where, according to legend, the mermaid Leucosia lived. The area is full of abandoned towns that tourists enjoy visiting, such as S. Severino di Centola and Roscigno Vecchia. The latter, which has remained uninhabited since the 1900s due to a threat of landslide that never occurred, faithfully preserves the characteristics of a farming village. At the eastern edge of the Park is the Certosa di Padula, considered one of the gems of 9th century monastic architecture. Not far from the Certosa is the Baptistery of S.Giovanni in Fonte.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Products from the Cilento area typify the handicrafts of the Campania region. Ceramics, coral, wicker and many other products which are still made using traditional methods.
The local wines are of the highest quality, many of them bearing special DOC certification, such as the Cilento white, the Aglianico red and the Malvasia.

Tourist Information 
•	Ente Provinciale per il Turismo - Salerno Tel./Fax 089/231432 

CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Liguria
Province: La Spezia
Size: 3.860 hectares
Institution: D.P.R. 06/10/99
Main Office: Ente Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre - Via Telemaco Signorini, 118 - 19017 Riomaggiore (SP) - Tel. 0187/920113
Office: Piazza Rio Finale, 26 - 19017 Riomaggiore (SP) - Tel. 0187/760000 - Fax 0187/760061 
E-mail: parconazionale5terre@libero.it 
Web: www.parconazionale5terre.com 

How to Get There 
By car: highway A12 to the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara exit to Monterosso; freeway SS 1 Aurelia, then Via Borghetto and Padivarma towards Pian di Barca and to Colle di Gritta. Coming from La Spezia to Manarola take freeway SS 370 for Cinque Terre.
By train: Cinque Terre train (Genova/La Spezia line) stops in all Cinque Terre locations, these are just a few minutes away from each other. A Cinque Terre daily travel ticket can be purchased.
By boat: departure from La Spezia, Sestri and other intermediate towns.

In Brief 
The Cinque Terre National Park Authority although very recently established has efficiently create facilities accessible to a widespread public. Out of 12 structures, offices, botanical gardens, stopping areas, visitor centers, hostess, etc., 10 of them, including the renown "Via dell'Amore" are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. In historical villages of Cinque Terre there are buses run with renewable energy, equipped (those with 25 seats) with an access ramp for persons with mobility limitations. Furthermore, there are guides with information on the various difficulties which can be found along various paths. More detailed information is available in the following report and in Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0187/760000	Piazza Rio Finale, 26, 19017, Riomaggiore (SP)	YES	
TORRE GUARDIOLA	Botanical Garden and Natural Reserve		Riomaggiore, 19017 (SP)	NO	
PUNTA BONFIGLIO	Panoramic Rest Area		Manarola, 19017, Riomaggiore (SP)	NO	
VISITOR CENTER	Group Reception	0187/760502	Via Telemaco Signorini Riomaggiore, 19017, Riomaggiore (SP)	YES	
INFORMATION OFFICE	Information Office	0187/812533	c/o Stazione FF.SS Vernazza, 19017, Vernazza (SP)	YES	
INFORMATION OFFICE	Information Office	0187/812523	c/o Stazione FF.SS. Corniglia, 19017, Vernazza (SP)	YES	
INFORMATION OFFICE	Information Office	0187/817059	c/o Stazione FF.SS. Monterosso, 19017, Monterosso (SP)	YES	
INFORMATION OFFICE	Information Office	0187/920633	c/o Stazione FF.SS. Riomaggiore, 19017 Riomaggiore (SP)	YES	
INFORMATION OFFICE	Information Office		Via Pasubio, 22 Volastra, 19017, Riomaggiore (SP)	YES	
TRAMONTI HOSTEL	Hostel	0187/758507	Via F. Filzi, 410 Biassa, 19020, La Spezia (SP)	YES	
VIA DELL'AMORE	Panoramic Rest Area	0187/920633	19017, Riomaggiore (SP)	YES	
CINQUE TERRE HOSTEL	Hostel	0187/920 215	Via Discovolo Manarola, 19017, Riomaggiore (SP)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
Many paths and tourist itineraries are available; they are often rural, but easy to follow (the most famous one is the Via dell'Amore) they connect the different towns. A variety of mountain and nature paths can also be enjoyed.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
VIA DELL'AMORE	Riomaggiore	Riomaggiore (SP)	Manarola	Riomaggiore (SP)	20 min	2000	Yes	

Park Outline 
This Park, established in 1999, will safeguard and will add value to the famous Cinque Terre landscapes, already included in UNESCO's 1997 World Heritage List. Local towns (Monterosso, Vernazza and Riomaggiore) requested the transformation from a Regional Park established in 1995 by the Liguria Region to a National Park. The Park Authority also manages the overlooking marine reserve with the same name, established in December 1997. Cinque Terre National Park protects very important habitats and a landscape moulded by man throughout the centuries. Today it is an inestimable cultural and environmental heritage. It includes one of the few tracts of the Liguria coast with limited construction due to historical and geo-morphological reasons. In over one thousand years of history, human's activity has shaped the landscape. It can well be defined as a typical cultural landscape, created from a culture closely tied to the land. High sea-front promontories and terraces with wine and olive cultivations alternate with Mediterranean maquis, cliffs and woodlands. These form a perfect balance between man-made features, agriculture and the environment.

Wildlife 
The Liguria Riviera's is characterized by steep mountains, cliffs marked by the sea, many bays and small number of beaches under constant morphological evolution due to natural forces. Limited by the Ligurian Apennine to the North and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine to the east, its aspect is that of jagged, mountainous slopes set between the sea and watershed. On the rock face, just above the water's edge, there are Dusty millers, Ligurian statices, Sea fennels and, where soil is present, typical Mediterranean maquis plants such as Euforbia arborea and Cistus salvifolius are present. The Mediterranean maquis is the vegetation structure characteristic of the coast; it can be found for about 200 meters above sea level in almost half of the Park. Almost impenetrable, the Park's vegetation, with thick bushes of True myrtie, Wild olive, Strawberry trees, Laurel, Mastic tree, Currykraut, varies according to the distance from the sea, the elevation and the geologic substrata. It is formed by 3,200 different species, half of which are Mediterranean and others are rare and endemic mountain species. In the areas farther away from anthropogenic activities and consequently less affected by fires, the maquis becomes a forest of Holm oaks, Strawberry trees, Maritime and Aleppo's pines. 
The Peregrine falcon and the Raven nests are in the more inaccessible rocky areas, whereas colonies of Herring gulls are noisy and active in areas where vegetation is more abundant. In uncultivated areas amongst the maquis shrubs Sardinian warblers, Blackcaps, Common whitethroats can be found, whereas along the trails in spring, Hoopoes nesting in cracks of dry-stone walls, can be seen. Blue rocks thrush, Little owls and Scops owls use these same walls also to nest. Many sea birds inhabit the coast including rare Audouin's gulls, Mediterranean gulls, Black-headed gulls, Pygmy cormorans, Terns and Black terns. Cory's and Manx shearwaters, Gannets, Puffins and other typical Northern species fly over the open sea. Grey herons, Little egrets, Kingfishers can be seen near the river's estuary, on the rare small beaches and on cliffs. The Short-toed eagle nests in the higher and denser scrub, feeding off mostly snakes such as Asp vipers and Western whip snakes. Among mammals, Brown hares are found in the vegetation with the Peony, the Primrose and the Thyrrenean selene. On the hills in the dense vegetation of Sweet chestnut and in the woodlands with Sowbreads and Bellflowers, mammals such as Wildboars, Foxes, Badgers, Weasels, Steemartens, Dormice and Garden dormice are abundant.

History and Culture 
Cinque Terre's cultural landscape, part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, is extraordinary. It is made up of an integrated system of terraced hills, modelled by man using an antique dry-stone wall technique, beautiful seaside towns, ridged paths connecting various cultivated areas, or cian, and inhabited areas scattered along the coast and the inland. This is one of the classic examples of man-environment integration. Cinque Terre's landscape, in fact, has apparently developed through a centuries-old process aimed at creating a dynamic balance between man-made transformations and the naturally modified system. This process is based on a profound knowledge of pre-existing nature, micro-climate, and irrigation system. The development of cultivation techniques made possible the survival of agriculture crops that were planted replacing the native vegetation. Everything is closely tied to local community needs and the social-economic contexts that has varied in time. The Park Authority closely attends to terraced landscapes for vine cultivations, watching over their conservation and ensuring their increase in value. It promotes specific initiatives with a particular view to ensuring the continuation of traditional agricultural activities that protect the slopes. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the principal Cinque Terre towns. They maintain a medieval urban structure and architectural character as a whole. Except for Corniglia, all the others are closely tied to the sea, with an enclosed port between the cliffs and high coloured houses and a sanctuary placed on the highest point to dominate the country. Monterosso grew around a watchtower, now the bell tower of the Church of Saint Baptist. Vernazza still has Saint Margaret of Antioch Ligurian Gothic church and Belforte Castle ruins. Corniglia is connected to the coast by a characteristic staircase, the town church of St. Peter's is Gothic. In Manarola there are an isolated bell tower and the Oratory of Diisciplinati near the church of S. Lorenzo square. A picturesque path excavated in the rocks and facing the sea, called the 'Via dell'Amore' connect Manarola with Riomaggiore, the latter is the largest of the five towns.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Cinque Terre's basic gastronomy is based on land and sea products, especially fish, extra-virgin olive oil and aromatic herbs. Pesto, prepared with extremely fragrant Ligurian basil that flourishes year-round, dominates everything. Catches from the Mediterranean sea such as anchovies and sardines, named as pesce azzurro, make up the main local cuisine dishes. The local wines include the precious Sciacchetra', a sweet, white wine with a high alcoholic content. Another typical wine is a dry white, the Cinque Terre, appreciated since the Middle Ages. Typical agriculture and fishing instruments are the objects of local craftwork including nets and fish traps. Patient artisans create bottle models of sailboats and warships and copies of antique sailors' ex voto (votive offering) can be found at collector prices.

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica delle Cinque Terre e Golfo dei Poeti - La Spezia Tel. 0187/770900 Fax 0187/770908 

CIRCEO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Lazio
Province: Latina
Size: 5.616 hectares
Institution: R.D.L. 25/01/34, n. 258; L. 06/12/91, n. 394 
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale del Circeo - Via Carlo Alberto, 107 - 04016 Sabaudia (LT) - Tel. 0773/511385 - Fax 0773/510503
E-mail: pn.circeo@parks.it 
Web: www.parcocirceo.it

How to Get There 
By car: from Roma take the highway SS 148 that runs alongside the Park; from Napoli take via Domiziana, then the freeway Appia or the via Flacca, until entering the via Pontina; then turn at the turn off for Sabaudia.
By train: take the Roma-Formia-Napoli line that stops at Latina; then continue to the Park via local bus.
By bus: take the COTRAL bus service from Roma - Eur Fermi (Line B subway stop); it stops at the various Park townships.

In Brief 
Founded in 1934, the Circeo National Park is one of five historical Parks created between 1922 and 1968. It was managed by the former ASFD, but is currently awaiting the creation of a Park Agency in line with legislation n. 179/02. In the meantime, a Special Commission is in charge of the management. The Park Commission has made large investments aimed at promoting the area and increasing the accessibility to a widespread public. It was one of the first Parks to create an itinerary accessible to all and in particular to visually impaired visitors, and 9 out of its 12 facilities - including offices, visitor centres, museums etc. - can be enjoyed to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, in addition to three specific itineraries. Upon request, the management staff of the Park also organizes guided tours for groups including people with mobility limitations. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PROVVISIONAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE	Main Office	0773/511385	Via Carlo Alberto 104, 04016, Sabaudia (LT)	NO	
S. FELICE CIRCEO "PORTA DEL PARCO"	Visitor Centre	0773/511385 0773/549038	Piazza Lanzuisi, 04017, San Felice Circeo (LT)	YES	
VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0773/511385	Via Carlo Alberto 104, 04016, Sabaudia (LT)	YES	
PANTALONE PICNIC AREA	Recreation Area	0773/511385	Via Carlo Alberto 104, 04016, Sabaudia, (LT)	YES	
NATURAL MUSEUM	Museum	0773/511385 0773/511206	Via Carlo Alberto 104, 04016, Sabaudia (LT)	YES	
FILM HALL AND NATURALISTIC LIBRARY	Information Center	0773/511385	Via Carlo Alberto 104, 04016, Sabaudia, (LT)	YES	
CERASELLA PICNIC AREA	Recreation Area	0773/511385 0773/531724	S.S. 148 Loc.tà Cerasella, 04016, Sabaudia (LT)	YES	
CERASELLA WILDLIFE AREA	Wildlife Area	0773/511385 0773/511385	S.S. 148 Loc.tà Cerasella, 04016, Sabaudia (LT)	YES	
COCUZZA MUSEUM - STUDY CENTER	Information Center	0773/511385 0773/517224	Via Litoranea, 04016, Sabaudia, (LT)	NO	
COCUZZA PICNIC AREA	Recreational Area	0773/511385 0773/517224	Via Litoranea, 04016, Sabaudia (LT)	YES	
FOGLIANO EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY AND RESEARCH CENTER	Visitor Center	0773/511385 0773/208072	Via di Villa Fogliano, 04100, Latina, (LT)	NO	
FOGLIANO BOTANICAL GARDEN	Botanical Garden	0773/511385 0773/208072	Via di Villa Fogliano, 04100, Latina (LT)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The Park can be visited in all seasons, but winter is the best season for bird watching because numerous birds species spend the winter in the swamp areas of the Park. Spring is the best time to see the extraordinary forest when it is at its best. There is a network of mapped itineraries for visitors. These paths are easy and accessible to visitors and go through the most beautiful and interesting areas of the Park, excluding the "totally protected zone" that are marked with a red sign. In addition to the itinerary for the visually impaired there is a special trail for bird watching and two paths on the promontory, created by Latina CAI (hiking club). The Sabaudia Park Museum, open daily, contains detailed documentation about the Park habitats and a reconstruction of the Grotta dei Guattari, a cave where a very well preserved Neanderthal skull was found in 1939. More recently the "La Porta del Parco" (Park Gate) was created in San Felice Circeo; it is a new information point open all day in the summer and in the morning in the winter. The structure includes a small conference hall for conferences, book presentations and oher activities. A Centre for Environmental education available to schools will be opened soon. 
The following paths and/or nature walks are available to visitors with mobility limitations: 
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
BOTANICAL GARDEN	Fogliano	Latina (LT)	Fogliano	Latina (LT)	1 h	1000/1800	YES	
EDUCATIONAL TRAIL	Sabaudia Visitor Centre	Sabaudia (LT)	Sabaudia	Latina (LT)	2 h	3000	YES	
FOREST TRAIL NETWORK	Various	Sabaudia (LT)	Sabaudia	Latina (LT)	From 30 min to 4 h	500m x Km	YES	

Park Outline 
The Park, founded in 1934, was damaged in the post war period by uncontrolled illegal construction (so-called "Circeo rape") which more or less limited the Park as an administrative or geographical entity. Starting in the 1970's, thanks to small but significant additions, the Park was slowly and gradually reclaimed both in terms of what was left of its ecological value and its public image. The Circeo National Park is located in the south of the Lazio region; its name is derived from the mythological sorceress Circe, who captured Ulysses on his return from the Trojan War - as narrated by Homer in his Odyssey. It is, however, certain that in ancient times this area was covered by forest and was included in history's first botanical text, written by Teofrasto in the III century BC. Forests covered the area until the twenties when the Pontine Swamps were recovered as useful land. These swamps were the largest in central Italy (they covered 30,000 hectares between the Lepini Mountains and the Tyrranean Sea). The area was also thick with century-old Oak trees (as recounted by travellers from the 1800's such as Gregorovius), and was almost completely uninhabited because of widespread malaria, although hunters frequently hunted the Park's abundant wildlife. Its recovery in 1933 resulted in the destruction of 21,000 hectares of forest to pave the way for kilometres of canals and roads as well as the construction of the townships of Latina and Sabaudia. 3,260 hectares of forest were saved at the last minute in the Selva di Terracina, thanks to the intervention of the Forest Administration and to the Mussolini government. In 1934 the Selva, along with the Circeo Promontory, lake Paola and a small strip of coastal dunes, constituted the first nucleus of the third Italian National Park, The Circeo. The coastal lakes of Monaci, Caprolace and Fogliano were included in 1975 and the island of Zannone was added in 1979. There are three Park areas considered by botanists to be characteristic of the forest before man's intervention: Piscina della Gattuccia, Lestra della Coscia and Piscina delle Bagnature. These are the three totally protected zones where only authorized access for scientific research is allowed.

Wildlife 
The Park is home to very different habitats ranging from the forest to the promontory, including dunes, coastal lakes and islands. The different habitats obviously contain very different types of vegetation. The vegetation of the dunes consists of pioneer plants that are able to tolerate sun, wind and salt spray; these have colonized the sandy beaches and have the important function to stabilize the sand forming and building stable dune system. Plant species include Marram and Seaside chamomile; in spring, thousands of delicate Bellis perennis are in flower and the giant Sea daffodil blooms in late summer offering a spectacular show just a few metres away from the seashore. Behind the beach side, on the more protected side of the dunes, a low vegetation composed of Juniper mixed with Mastic tree, European holly and Buckthorn are present. The coastal lake area is surrounded by swamp vegetation including Pine and Eucalyptus planted during the recovery period. Behind the lakes there are the remnants of the Selva di Terracina which is one of the most beautiful flood-plain forest in Italy. At the beginning of the century, The Selva covered a much greater area - almost the entire Pontina plain - and even today the remaining fragment greatly suffer due to the recovery of the surrounding area. The groundwater was at ground level before 1920, while today the water table is 20 meters below the ground. This fact has greatly changed the vegetation. In addition to this, heavy measures were carried out at the time of the land recovery even within the Selva, where canals and roads were built, trees cut down, and exotic species were planted. This is why the present Selva, although magnificent, only gives a vague idea of what the original Selva di Terracina once was. At present in the forest, Turkey oak and Italian oak are the dominant trees, some of them being very big; other Oaks are also present such as the Peduncolate oak in flood-plain, the Cork oak in dryer soils areas and the rare Crenata oak, an apparent hybrid between the Turkey oak and the Cork oak. The understorey is intricate and very thick, the flora is composed of Blackthorn, Butcher's broom, Ivy, Wild asparagus and of a magnificent carpet of Cyclamens. Wetland, called Piscine, still exists in the Selva. These small fragments are similar to the ancient Pontina Swamps (with the difference that before the land recovery, these pools were recharched by groundwater while today they are only fed by rain water - so they often dry out in summer). Here we find the Pedunculate oak, Ash trees, Rushes and Swamp iris. As we get to the promontory, we find different vegetation types. This is the kingdom of the Mediterranean maquis but the vegetation is not uniform: on the slope exposed to the north (Quarto Freddo) we see a Mediterranean woodlands with Holm oak, Mann ash, Witebeam and Montpeler maple; the southern slope (Quarto Caldo) is covered by thermophile vegetation consisting of Mastic tree, Rosemary and Rockrose alternating with areas disturbed by fire and re-colonized by Ampelodesma, a giant grass. There are also rocky areas in the Quarto Caldo which have an excellent exposition to the sun and where we find an almost tropical flora: Carob tree, Phoenician juniper and European fan palm. The Dwarf palm tree is the only native palm tree in Europe. It is widespread in Sardinia and occasionally can be found on the Italian Tyrranean coast. On the never-inhabited island of Zannone, is present a population of Holm oak, some of which are quite big. 
The dense vegetation of the maquis offers refuge to Foxes, Badgers, Weasels and Rabbits. The tracks of the numerous Wildboars that inhabit the area can often be seen as well as Porcupine quills. Various bird species such as: Jays and Woodpeckers (the Green woodpecker, the Great spotted woodpecker and the more rare Lesser spotted woodpecker) nest in the forest. The lakes constitute an important environment for aquatic birds: during winter, many of them can be seen including various species of Ducks and Herons (including the rare Great white heron), Greylag gooses, Spoonbills, Greater flamingos, Cormorants (which here have one of the largest winter colonies in Italy). During migration periods in spring and autumn, rare birds can be seen including Storks and Cranes. The Park in recent years has also seen the appearance of a colony of Cattle egrets. The entire Park area is also home to a great number of birds of prey: the Peregrine falcon and the Kestrel nest on the cliffs of the promontory; the Black kite, the Honey buzzard, the Hobby and the Buzzard nest especially in the coastal forest. The shallow waters of the lake host a large population of Mullets and Eels. In these lake basins, there are also extensive Mussel, Sea bass and Sea bream 'farms'. This activity was already present in ancient Roman times and, indeed, the ancient canals still connect the lakes to the sea.

History and Culture 
Homer, Virgil, Plinius and Strabone praised the Circeo Promontory. It was called the "island between sea and swamp" and has been inhabited since ancient times. The most significant prehistoric finding was a Neanderthal skull discovered in the Giattari Grotto, but there have been other paleontological finds in the Fossellone Grotto demonstrating the presence of Homo sapiens in the Mesolithic era. Numerous ancient Roman finds have also been uncovered: the ancient town of Circeii, founded in 391 B.C., is located under the present day residential area of S.Felice Circeo and the remains of the ancient walls, villas and acropolis are still visible. Near Torre Paolo, along the road at the bottom of the hills can still be found segments of a wall built with the opus reticolatum; this old technique, probably belonged to the thermal bath and commercial facilities. The navigation infrastructures present are also important, particularly the Fossa Augusta - Nero's canal-port with its final sea outlet rebuilt in 1721 -. Looking out over the Lake of Sabaudia at Palazzo, it is also possible to visit the ruins of the port, which belonged to the Villa Domiziana from the first century AD. Circeii was often fought over in the Middle Ages, and Frederic II sacked it causing great damage to the local economy and to the urban structures. The successive rebuilding of the city and its urban layout remained those on which today's S. Felice Circeo is founded. The Towers of Paola, Cervia and Fico are beautiful examples of 1500's military architecture. They were part of the defence system built as protection from the Saracen pirates. The city of Sabaudia inside the Circeo National Park is also a noteworthy example of the rationalist urban planning of 1934.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Buffalo is bred extensively in the area because of its milk, used to produce excellent mozzarella cheese. Moscato di Terracina - a high quality wine famous since Roman times - is still produced.

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica - Latina Tel. 0773/695404 Fax 0773/661266 
•	Pro-Loco - Sabaudia (LT) Tel. 0773/515046 Fax 0773/510676 
•	Pro-Loco - S. Felice Circeo (LT) Tel./Fax 0773/547770 

DOLOMITI BELLUNESI NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park 
Region: Veneto
Province: Belluno
Size: 15.132 hectares
Institution: L. 11/03/88, n. 67; L. 28/08/89, n. 305; D.M. 20/04/90; D.P.R. 12/07/93 
Main Office: Ente Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi - Piazzale Zancanaro, 1 - 32032 Feltre (BL) - Tel. 0439/3328 - Fax 0439/332999
E-mail: ente@dolomitipark.it 
Web: www.dolomitipark.it 

How to Get There 
By car: from Belluno or Trentino-Alto Adige, take the freeway SS 50 from Grappa and Passo Rolle; from Venezia and Treviso follow the freeways SS 13 and SS 348. From Vicenza and Padova, follow freeway SS 47 for Feltre from Valsugana until Primolano, merging with the freeway SS 50. Belluno can be reached from Venezia with highway A27 which then merges with freeway SS 51 at the Alps, joining a short tract of the SS 50. From the Cadore Northern region, Belluno can be reached with the freeway SS 51. 
By train: Feltre and Belluno are connected by train with the Padova-Belluno-Calalzo line. Train services also run from Venezia to Belluno. Bus services connect Feltre and Belluno with towns linked to the Park.

In Brief 
The Belluno Dolomites National Park was recently instituted and has to date completed some infrastructures; all facilities are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. More detailed information is available in the following report (Park Authority Data, 2002). 
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0439/3328	Piazzale Zancanaro 1, 32032, Feltre (BL)	YES	
THE "SASSO NELLO STAGNO" VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0439/304400	Piazza I Novembre 1, 32034, Pedavena (BL)	YES	
BELLUNO PROVINCE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM	Information Centre/Museum	0439/438355	Loc. Seravella, Cesiomaggiore (BL)	YES	
CANDATEN REST AREA	Rest Area		SS 203 Agordina Loc. Candaten, Sedico (BL)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
In the Park there are several mountain trails including high Dolomite roads 1, 2, and 3 that run through the area and are equipped with lodges, shelters and via ferrata (handrails). Tourist facilities are present in the small centres of the Park i.e. hotels, campgrounds, and accomodation. Various sporting activities such as alpine skiing are allowed if compatible with the natural environment; in the totally protected zone where access is limited, all activities are always prohibited. To visit the Park is recommended a guidebook and a map.

Park Outline 
Initially proposed as a Regional Park and later temporarily inducted as a National Park in 1990, the Belluno Dolomites National Park was officially instituted in 1993, including the territory of several pre-existing reserves. This allowed the protection of a pristine mountain area, removing the risk of potential devastating development of ski resorts. The Belluno Dolomites National Park is located in the Veneto region and occupies the area between Longarone and Feltre, on the right bank of the Piave river. Fifteen towns are included in the Park, but none of the inhabited town centres is within its boundaries. The protected area includes the Schiara and Pramper, Sole, Pizzocco, and Vette Feltrine, safeguarding one of the most beautiful mountain areas of the Alpine region. The main part of the Park was formed by 8 state reserves (one of them totally protected), acquired between 1954 and 1970. The Vette Feltrine, Monte Pavione, Piazza del Diavolo (totally protected), Val Scura, Piani Eterni-Erera-Val Falcina, Monti del Sole, Valle Imperina, and Schiara Occidentale all natural reserves. The mountains are comprised of sedimentary rock mainly of organic limestone origin. There are vast high tableland and hills that spread across drifts and moraine debris of glacial origin. The main valleys spread across the entire Park territory ending in Val Belluna: they are called canali and are generally narrow with high vertical rock face; amongst the most fascinating there are the Mis, Agordo and Zoldo. The canali are fed with waters that form rapids, torrents, and waterfalls. Among the highest in the Park are the Schiara (reaching 2.565 meters), Mount Pavione (2.335 meters), Cima Dodici (2.367 meters) and the Pizzocco (2.186 meters).
Wildlife 
The characteristic diversity of the territory is reflected on local plant and animal life. At the lowest height (about 800 meters) the vegetation is composed of European hop hornbeam, Mann ash, Azel and Sweet chestnut trees with some Snowbreads, Orchids and Red lilies. At higher elevations (about 1,300 meters), the mountain woods are made up of the Beech and Silver fir, the Yew, the Maple, the Whitebeam and the Large leaved lime. The herbs layer includes Christening gowns and orchids. The high mountains are filled with Norway spruces, European larches and Pines with an understorey of the blueberry, the Fern, the Heath, the Saxifrage, the Edelweiss and the Rhododendrons. Beyond 2,000 meters, vegetation still groves on the infertile dolomitic and calcareous debris, the Rocky rampion, the Columbine Einsele, the Moretti bluebell, symbol of the Park, the Elf rhododendron and the Tyrolean primrose are all well adapted. Animal life, though less rich in species than in the past , includes typical species of the Alps such as the Chamois, the Red deer, the Roe deer and the Mouflon. The possibility of re-introducing the Alpine ibex is currently being considered. In addition, the Lynx and the Bear have recently reappeared. Examples of local bird life include the Royal eagle, the Royal owl, the Roosters, the White partridge and the Black woodpecker. Other small mammals present are the Ewe, the White hare, the Skunk, the Marmot, the Squirrel and the Ermine. The Salamander, the Horned viper and the Asp viper are also present in the Park.

History and Culture 
Myths and legends praise the natural beauty of these magical mountains that have been enjoyed by man since prehistoric times. The first human traces were discovered in Val Rosna, with the important discovery of a hunter dating back 11,000 to 20,000 years ago. Excavations that are still underway in the Valle di Lamen have yielded several coins and ceramics, showing that Neolithic humans inhabited the area until medieval times. Roman ruins that have been found in Val Vicanzoi suggest a road running through the area. As a transit area, the Belluno Dolomites have been historically popular among pilgrims coming from the Northern regions to Rome. Among the medieval structures built to provide shelter to pilgrims, the most well known is the Candaten farmstead built in 1194 in Val Cordevole; it has at present converted into a Park Station. Built over the pre-existing structure of San Marco is the Certosa Di Vedana built in 1465, of monumental and scenic interest, in the town of Sospirolo; it is comprised of three structures built around central cloisters, it houses a seclusion convent and consequently can be visited only externally. Buildings that once supported farming activities also comprise the rich cultural heritage of the Park. The most impressive architectural example of this kind is perhaps the Erera-Brendol shepherd's hut, with its long porticoes stall. The Valle Imperina industrial archaeological centre, a historic five-century old mining centre, is also of much interest and is currently undergoing restoration by the Park Authority.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Country furniture shops are present throughout the entire Belluno area; copper and pewter production is also a major activity. Embroidered shawls are crafted in the city. Of special note are the hand-made wooden toys of Longarone, where an exhibition of locally crafted mountain products is held every year. The entire Val di Zoldo is acclaimed for its production (fusion and crafting) of wrought iron and bronze. Much manufacturing have recently turned industrial and moved out of the valley, such as the glass and furniture businesses. Typical mountain foods include smoked lamb and fried cheeses. Traditional desserts include farfaia, egg pasta fried in butter, and celestelle, pastries made with sugar, yeast, eggs, and rum, fried in butter.

Tourist Information 
•	Ufficio Turistico della provincial di Belluno - Tel. 0437/940083 Fax 0437/940073 
•	IAT (Ufficio Informazione e Assistenza Turistica) - Feltre (BL)Tel. 0439/2540 Fax 0439/2839 
•	IAT (Ufficio Informazione e Assistenza Turistica) - Forno di Zoldo (BL) Tel. 0437/787349 Fax 0437/787340 

FORESTE CASENTINESI, MONTE FALTERONA E CAMPIGNA NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Regions: Emilia-Romagna, Toscana
Provinces: Arezzo, Firenze, Forlì-Cesena 
Size: 31.038 hectares
Institution: L. 28/08/89, n. 305; D.M. 14/12/90; D.P.R. 12/07/93
Main Office: Ente Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna - Via Brocchi, 7 - 52015 Pratovecchio (AR) - Tel. 0575/50301 - Fax 0575/504497
E-mail: parco@technet.it 
Web: www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.for.casentinesi 

How to Get There 
By car: follow the highway A1 to Arezzo, then take the freeway SS 71 towards Badia Prataglia and Camaldoli. Exit the highway A14 at Cesena and follow with freeway E45 until Bagno di Romagna.
By train: take the Pratovecchio line from Arezzo.

In Brief 
Instituted in 1989, the Casentinesi Forest, Mount Falterona and Campigna National Park quickly became one of the parks most committed to promoting and sharing protected areas of great naturalistic value. It contains prominent religious monuments including the Eremo, Camaldoli Monastery, and the "La Verna" Franciscan Sanctuary. Nine out of the fourteen offices, visitor centres, information offices, etc. are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, as are two additional trails. The Park Authority has printed a publication entitled "A path for everyone", that is distributed free of charge. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002). 
Park Information Table 
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0575/50301	Via Guido Brocchi 7, 52015, Pratovecchio	YES	
STIA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0575/504596	Via Montegrappa 2, 52017, Pratovecchio (AR)	YES	
BADIA PRATAGLIA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0575/559477	Via Nazionale, 14/a, 52010, Poppi (AR)	YES	
CASTAGNO D'ANDREA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	055/8375125	Via del Borgo 12, 50060, Castagno d'Andrea, S.Godenzo (FI)	YES	
CHIUSI DELLA VERNA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0575/532098	Parco Martiri della Libertà 21, 52010, Chiusi della Verna (AR)	YES	
TREDOZIO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0546/943943	Via Fabbroni 30, 47019, Tredozio (FC)	YES	
BAGNO DI ROMAGNA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0543/911304	Via Fiorentina 38, 47021, Bagno di Romagna (FC)	YES	
PREMILCUORE VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0543/956540	Via Roma 34, 47010, Premilcuore (FC)	YES	
COMMUNITY PARK OFFICE AND ST. SOFIA VISITOR CENTRE	Park Community Office and Visitor Centre	0543/971375	Via Nefetti 3, 47018, Santa Sofia (FC)	NO	
SERRAVALLE VISITOR CENTER	Visitor Centre	0575/539174	Via Coleschi, 52010, Serravalle (AR)	NO	
LONDA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	055/8351202	Località Parco del Lago, 50060, Londa (FI)	NO	
SAN ROMUALDO MONASTERY AND CAMALDOLI FORESTRY MUSEUM	Monastery and Museum	0575/556014	Località Camaldoli, 21, 52010, Camaldoli (AR)	NO	
CAMPIGNA INFOMATION OFFICE	Information Office	0543/980231	Via Centro 3, 47010, Santa Sofia (FC)	YES	
SAN BENEDETTO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0543/965286	Viale Acquacheta 6, 47010, San Benedetto (FC)	NO	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The Park is open and accessible to the public. The main entrances are those at Badia Prataglia and Camaldoli on the Tuscany side and Campigna on the Romagna side. If you wish to take an excursion or hike in the forest, it would be a good idea to get local maps and guide books. Hotels are located on the outskirts of the Park and mountain lifts are available for the winter months. Three small museums have been opened in the stations of Campigna, Camaldoli and Badia Prataglia with plant and animal collections on display. Additional information is available from the Park Authority and Forestry Station. 
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible by visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE PATH	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
CAMPIGNA TRAIL	Campigna	Santa Sofia (FC)	Campigna	Santa Sofia (FC)	30 min	350	YES	
BADIA PRATAGLIA TRAIL	Loc. il Capanno, Badia Prataglia	Poppi (AR)	Loc. Il Capanno	Poppi (AR)	30 min	400	YES	

Park Outline 
The final product of the effort and hopes of many naturalists (the precursor being Pietro Zangheri of Forli), the Casentinesi Forest, Mount Falterona and Campigna National Park has been opened since 1990 but managed by a Park Authority since 1993. It combines several state forests and much of the Crinale Romagnolo Regional Park, the Emiglia Romagna region constituted in 1988. Today, some of the most beautiful forests of the Apennines are present within the Park. Straddled in between the ranges that separates Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, the Park is geographically situated in the Tuscany-Romagna Apennines and was created from the joining of an totally protected zone (Sasso Fratino) and four biogenetic reserves (Badia Prataglia, Camaldoli, Campigna, and Scodella). This is a single forestry complex that occupies the area between the Passo dei Mandrioli and Mount Falterona. Geologically, the prevailing rock in the Tuscan region is the sandstone boulder (Chianti and Mugello), while its Romagna counterpart is the Marnoso sandstone. The area is rich in water sources with 20 km of perennial running water. This abundance of water is maintained by copious rain and impermeable rock.

Wildlife 
In the forests are present mainly Beech and Silver fir, while the mixed forests are made up of Norway maples, Ash trees, Elms, Sessile oaks, Alders, Silver birches, Cherry trees and Laburnum. Norway firs, Scots pines, exotic American firs, Atlas cedars and Arizona cypress have all been ornamentally integrated with the native's species. Local native herb species are: the Martagone lily, the St. Johns lily, the Anemone daffodil and the Snowdrop. Animal life in the region includes large mammals such as Ungulates like Wildboars, Fallow deers, Mouflons, Roe dears, Red dears. Wild boars were introduced during the late 1970's. Other animals that inhabit the woods include the Wolf and the Fox, small mustelids and rodents. The avifauna is naturally varied with a large number of predators such as the Golden eagle, the Sparrowhawk, the Goshawk, the Buzzard and the nocturnal Eagle owl and Tawny owl.

History and Culture 
The Villanovian population discovered the disinfecting and healing powers of the water from a once existing lake at Mount Falterona. They thanked the Gods for these waters by throwing bronze statues into the lake. The sacred relationship between humans and nature began with the Etruscans and their devotion to the Lake of Idols. This ancient relationship found its highest expression in the Medieval times when, in 1012, the Camaldolesi people began transforming the Apennine forests: the woods, the intricate and unused pagan kingdom of the sphere, were 'purified' and substituted by the forest ordained by small Fir, the tree of light, which bore wood useful for trading. The clergy set severe regulations to protect the woods including restrictive measures on cutting down trees and imposing the immediate reintegration of all Silver firs that had been cut down. The settlement is comprised of a monastery, a church with two bell towers and lodging built around the cloister. The monastery hosts a pharmacy built in 1513, complete with instruments still used by the clergy. To the South of the Park, above the granite cliff of Mount Penna, the Verna monumental complex is immersed in the forest of Silver firs tended to by Franciscan Friars. Here, according to tradition, St. Francis received the stigmata. The convent was built by the churches of St. Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels), Chiesa Maggiore, and the Chiesa delle Stimmate, where the terracotta works of Florentine sculptor Andrea della Robbia are housed.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
The production of lath shaped wood still flourishes in the medieval village of Poppi (AR) and the centre of the Casentino area. Premilcuore and Moggiona stand out for the production of handcrafted furniture, Badia and Prataglia are known for the production of wooden utensils, Bocconi and Stia are known for their products in wrought iron and Savio and Acquacheta are known for stone fireplaces. Fabrics are also a traditionally made local product, especially Casentino materials.

Tourist Information 
•	Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche - APT di Arezzo Tel. 0575/377678 Tel./Fax 0575/20839 
•	Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche Office - APT di Bibbiena (AR) Tel./Fax 0575/593098 

GARGANO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Puglia
Province: Foggia
Size:118.144 hectares
Institution: L. 06/12/91, n. 394; DD.MM. 04/12/92-04/11/93-17/11/94; D.P.R. 05/06/95; D.P.R. 18/05/01
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale del Gargano - Via S. Antonio Abate, 121 - 71037 Monte S. Angelo (FG) - Tel. 0884/568911 - Fax 0884/561348
E-mail: info@parcogargano.it 
Web: www.parcogargano.it 

How to Get There 
By car: take highway A14 to the Poggio Imperiale exit to reach the northern part of the Park; or exit at San Severo and then continue on freeway SS 272 for San Giovanni Rotondo. From Foggia, take freeway SS 89 towards Manfredonia-Vieste. The easiest access from the south is the Cerignola Est exit on highway A14. From there take freeway SS 545 in the direction of Manfredonia - San Giovanni Rotondo.
By train: take Adriatic line to San Severo station, then continue to Peschici on the Gargano line.
By bus: from Foggia with the S.I.T.A. line busses and the Gargano railway.
The Tremiti Islands can be reached by hovercraft from Manfredonia, Vieste and Termoli and in the summer by ferry from Rodi Garganico and Peschici. There is a helicopter service all year from Foggia.

In Brief 
Although the Gargano National Park has only recently been instituted, it has greatly promoted the area and made its structures more accessible to a widespread public. 6 out of 9 facilities including the headquarters, an oasis, visitor centers, museums etc., can be accessed to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, in addition to two trails. The Park Authority has also published a booklet entitled "Easy access areas and itineraries in Gargano National Park". More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0884/568911	Via S.Antonio Abate 121, 71037, Monte S.Angelo (FG)	YES	
"MONTE D'ELIO" ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK	Recreational Area	0882/473421	Monte D'Elio, 71015, Sannicandro Garganico, (FG)	NO	
"LAGO SALSO" OASIS	Wildlife Area	0884/519111	S.S. 159 Km. 7.700, 71043, Manfredonia (FG)	YES	
"DUNE DI LESINA" LIPU OASIS	Botanical Garden	0882/992727	Loc. Canale Acquarotta, 71010, Lesina (FG)	YES	
LESINA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Center	0882/992727	Via Banchina Vollaro, 71010, Lesina (FG)	YES	
MUSEUM OF THE UMBRA FOREST	Museum	0884/88055	Foresta Umbra, zona Corpo Forestale, 71037, Monte Sant'Angelo (FG)	NO	
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MANFREDONIA	Museum	0884/587838	Castello di Manfredonia, 71043, Manfredonia (FG)	YES	
MATTINATA CIVIC MUSEUM	Museum	0884/551001	Via Tasso, 71030, Mattinata (FG)	YES	
GROTTA DI S. MICHELE	Church inside a cave	0884/8107	Via per S. Nicola di Varano, 71010, Cagnano Varano (FG)	NO	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
Gargano can be visited throughout the entire year. Some trails, including fifteen trails created by the former State Forestry Agency within the Foresta Umbra (shaded forest), are waymarked in yellow: 
1) Caserma Sfilzi - Casalini
2) Caserma Sfilzi - Caserma di Caritate 
3) Ristoro "I Baracconi" - Caserma di Caritate 
4) Caserma di Caritate - Caserma Ginestra Inferiore
5) Caserma Ginestra Inferiore - Caserma Ginestra Superiore 
6) Caserma Ginestra Superiore - Torre Palermo
7) Regresso - Valle del Tesoro
8) Laghetto d'Umbra - Falascone
9) Laghetto d'Umbra - Caserma Murgia
10) Caserma Murgia - Dispensa
11) Dispensa - Cutino d'Otri
12) Cantoniera d'Umbra - Paglizzi
13) Paglizzi - Scaranappe - Cantoniera d'Umbra
14) Falascone - Caserma Murgia
15) Caserma Murgia - "Grava" di Marianna
Some of these trails can be taken on horseback or by bicycle. Around the Lesina Lake there are some footpaths along which guided education and scientific tours are taken. The entire Tremiti Arcipelago can be visited, as can the island of S. Domino with its beautiful sea caves, including the Grotto of Rondinelle and the Grotto of Coccodrillo (reachable only by boat). The whole promontory is rich in historical-cultural sites and all the townships in the Park are worth a visit. 
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible by visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF PATH IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
"DUNE DI LESINA" LIPU OASIS	Canale Acquarotta	Lesina (FG)	Pineta	Lesina (FG)	14 min	3000	YES	
"PERCEPTIONS" TRAIL	Oasis Lago Salso Dock	Manfredonia (FG)	"Diana" Picnic area	Manfredonia (FG)	30 min	300	YES	

Park Outline 
Although the park is mainly focused around the important and very famous Umbra Forest, it has been expanded to include almost the whole promontory. This Park represents a significant achievement for environmental associations and for those who promoted the creation of a National Park many years ago. Gargano National Park was created to protect the entire calcareous promontory bearing the same name, the lakes of Lesina and Varano, the Tremiti Islands (S. Domino, S. Nicola, Capraia and Crepaccio) and Pianosa Island. The promontory includes an extraordinary variety of habitat: dense canopy Beech forests coming into contact with the arid Mediterranean maquis vegetation; karstic high plains dotted with dolines and steep white cliffs over the sea; sandy golden beaches. In ancient times, Gargano was famous for its thick forests but man, through the years, has greatly reduced them. Only 15,000 hectares remain today. The Park is an important resource for the Region of Puglia, as it has the smallest territory covered by forest in Italy. The karstic phenomenon contributes to the arid appearance of the promontory and its surroundings. Indeed, there is an almost total lack of surface water sources, because all the waters run underground. In past times this territory, which is at present a National Park, contained eight natural reserves: Foresta Umbra, Sfilzi, Falascone, Isola Varano, Bosco di Ischitella e Carpino, Monte Barone, Lago di Lesina and Palude di Frattarolo. Eight regional fauna reserves were also created including the islands of Capraia and San Nicola. To the south of the promontory, we find the natural oasis of Lake Salsa and the Frattarolo Swamp, which are important areas for migrating birds.

Wildlife 
The Park is particularly rich in flora. There are over 2,000 plant species, one third of the total plant species in all of Italy. The coastal pine woodlands of Aleppo's pine, some of which are immense, are among only few in Italy of totally spontaneous occurrence. The most beautiful pine forests are in Pugnochiuso and Mattinata, in the Monte Barone reserve. On the northern coast, there are the two largest and most ancient Aleppo's pines in Italy: the "Zappino dello Scorzone' a 700 year old tree, 20 meters high and 5 meters wide and the "Zappino di Don Francesco" which is "only" 500 years old. Talking about big trees, we mustn't forget the Carob tree called the Carrubo di Vignanotica which has a circumference of 13 metres. The most interesting aspect of the local vegetation is the Umbra Forest (from the Latin umbratilis, or shady): an extraordinary lowland Beech tree forest at only 700 meters with parts at 300 metres (the Beech tree normally is found at an altitude of 1000 to 1800 metres). In this rich forest, adorned with Ivy and Ferns, some giant Yews, thousands of years old are found (the most beautiful are in the Falascone Natural Reserve), while the thick understorey is dominated by the Holly. Where the temperature is warmer, the Beech tree is replaced by mixed woods with the Turkey oak, the Maple, the Large leaved lime and the Hormbeam like those present at the Sfilzi Reserve. Lastly in the herb layer a large variety of rare and endemic species, including an exceptional abundance of orchids with over 65 species, are present. In Europe the highest number of species of orchids are found in Gargano. One of the most interesting species of the fauna is the Roe deer; the specimens on the promontory are one belonging to the last three native populations deriving from the Italic Roe deer (the other two groups are in Castel Porziano, Rome, and on the Mountains of Orsomarso, Pollino). Other mammals found in Gargano include the Wildcat, the Badger, the Pine marten and the Steenmarten. Rare diurnal and nocturnal predatory birds are also found such as the Peregrine falcon, the Red kite, the Goshawk, the Black kite and the Eagle owl, besides the important presence of the Raven. In the woods, we can easily see Jays, Cuckoos and Daurian jackdaws and the rare Sombre tit is also present. In the grass plains, the Little bustard and the Stone curlew, which are almost extinct, can be seen. The lakes of Lesina and Varano are all rich in aquatic bird life. The Gargano also has numerous insects that in Italy are only found here, though they are present in the Balkans. This is because millions of years ago, the promontory connected Italy to the Balkans (as proved not only by the presence of Balkan insects in Italy but also by numerous plants). The environment of the Tremiti Islands also includes species of great natural value. The submarine environment of these islands is famous for the presence of numerous underwater caves, which hold interesting forms of life including a wide variety of sponges of various colours and sizes. In the deeper waters we find 'forests' of Red seafan that offer one of the most unique Italian underwater itineraries.

History and Culture 
The complex system of Gargano's grottos and the natural presence of flint, used for the building of tools, favoured the presence of prehistoric settlements in the area of the National Park of Gargano, leaving us splendid cave paintings in the Pagliacci Grotto near Rignano Garganico, dating back some 15,000 years. The Dauni, an Illiric population, were present in the area around the IX century BC for agricultural, pastoral and defensive purposes favoured by this natural environment. They left tombs and other objects as evidence of their presence. Beginning in the IV century BC, the Romans colonized the area and founded various cities including Vieste. They also built rural villas linked to the production of wine and oil. The Norman period, however, was the most important for the exceptional architectural structures in the Park. The main examples of Puglia Romanic architecture are linked to the development of the Via Sacra Longobardorum, the holy road of the Longobards. Along this path, there are still ruins of churches and resting points, which were built on the pilgrims' path to the grotto of Saint Michael, an obligatory stop before leaving for the Holy Land. The Cathedral of Santa Maria di Siponto, the Church of S. Leonardo, the Sanctuary of S. Michele at Monte S. Angelo (built in the grotto which had already been a sacred site for the pagans), are magnificent examples of architecture that resulted from the blending of different cults and cultures. The beautiful fragments of sculpture of the great monastic complex, the Abbey of Pusano, are in the Museum of the Cathedral of San Michele today. The Church of S. Maria Maggiore, the Tomba di Rotari at Monte S.Angelo and the Cathedral of Vieste are also to be admired. The local sea and inland towns are famous for their white housing embellished with a variety of ornaments: Manfredonia, Vieste, Peschici, Monte S.Angelo, Carpino Ischitella and Vico del Gargano. Farmstead, straw mounds, terraced fields and country churches usually made of dry stone walls and sometimes whitewashed, are also part of the beautiful rural landscape of the Park.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Monte Sant'Angelo, Vico del Gargano and Peschici are famous craft centres. Here, we find objects of terracotta, wood and ceramics. Lathed shaped wooden objects are made such as at the string-spinning top and statues in olive wood. At Monte S. Angelo, ceramic for the pupi and the nativity scenes are made along with wrought iron and wooden objects. In Peschici, wooden objects and small pieces of wooden furniture in Venetian style are made. Wrought iron and small objects in doghe (the residual from making wooden casks) are the characteristic crafts of Vico del Gargano. Characteristic are the loom woven linen in Vico and the loom woven woolen blankets of Carpino. From the gastronomic point of view, here as in the rest of Puglia, we find the typical orecchiette as a first course and as a second course the specialities of Gargano, the magliatello (with baby goat meat) and capra acqua e sale (goat in salted water), in addition there are various combinations of seafood and local vegetables. The most famous sweets are the Ostia Piena of Vico del Gargano. Other typical products include the citrus fruits of Vico del Gargano, Ischitella and Rodi Garganico. The eels of the Lake of Lesina are also very famous and, last but not least, the caciocavallo cheese of Gargano. Also noteworthy is the famous extra virgin olive oil which is produced locally in the numerous and often antique olive mills present in the extensive olive groves of the southern part of Gargano.

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica - Foggia Tel. 0881/723650 - 723141 Fax 0881/725536 

GRAN PARADISO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Regions: Piemonte, Valle d'Aosta
Provinces: Aosta, Torino
Size: 70.318 hectares
Institution: R.D.L. 03/12/22, n. 1584; D.P.R. 03/10/79
Main office: Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso - Via della Rocca, 47 - 10123 Turino - Tel. 011/8606211 - Fax 011/8121305
E-mail: segreteria@pngp.it 
Web: www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.gran.paradiso 

How to Get There 
By car: from Piemonte, take freeway SS 460 to Pont Canavese. The Park can be accessed from Valle dell'Orco and Locana or from Val Soana. From Valle d'Aosta, take freeway SS 26 or the highway A 5 to Aosta. You can enter from Val di Cogne in Valsavarenche, or from Val di Rhemes.
By train: departing from Torino or Aosta, the townships of the Park can be reached by local bus services. For more information, contact the Park Authority or the local Tourist Information Centre.

In Brief 
Established in 1922, the Gran Paradiso National Park is the deacon of Italy's National Parks. Even though its natural environment has somewhat limited it, the Park Authority has promoted the area and expanded the accessibility of the Park facilities to a widespread public. 11 out of 17 facilities, including its headquarters, visitor centres, local offices, study centres etc., can be accessed to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. This is also valid for a nature trail. It is also possible, with assistance for wheelchair users, to access the earthen trails going up to the Paradisia Botanical Gardens. The Park Authority has also published "I sensi in gioco" (Senses in use), with a section in Braille for the blind who wish to visit the "I sensi in gioco" trail. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	011/8606211	Via Della Rocca 47, 10123, Torino (TO)	NO	
THE NOASCA CENTRE	Environmental Educational Centre	0124/901070	Via Roma, 10080, Noasca (TO)	NO	
THE CERESOLE CENTRE	Visitor Centre	-	Pian della Balma, 10080, Ceresole Reale, (TO)	YES	
THE CENTRE FOR ANCIENT CRAFTS	Museum of Culture	-	Capoluogo, 10080, Locana (TO)	YES	
THE TWO PARKS EXHIBIITON	Museum(exhibit)	-	Serrù, 10080, Ceresole Reale (TO)	YES	
VALLE ORCO VALLEY STATION	Local Authority Office	0124/901040	Fr. Lamonin 5, 10080, Noasca (TO)	NO	
THE ALPINE FAUNA STUDY CENTRE	Study Centre	0124/901040	Fr. Lamonin 5, 10080, Noasca (TO)	NO	
THE COPPER FORGE	Museum	-	Borgata Castellaro, 10080, Ronco Canavese (TO)	YES	
THE RONCO CENTRE	Visitor Centre		Capoluogo, 10080, Ronco Canavese (TO)	NO	
VALLE SOANA VALLEY OFFICE	Local Authority Office	0124/817433	Capoluogo, 10080, Ronco Canavese (TO)	YES	
PARADISIA	Botanical Gardens	0165/74147	Valnontey, 11012, Cogne (AO)	YES	
VALLE DI COGNE OFFICE	Local Authority Office	0165/74025	Rue des mines, 11012, Cogne (AO)	NO	
THE LYNX AND OTHER PREDATORS	Visitor Centre	0165/905808	Dégioz 65, 11010, Valsavarenche (AO)	YES	
VALSAVARENCHE VALLEY STATION	Local Authority Office	0165/905712	Dégioz 65, 11010, Valsavarenche (AO)	YES	
ALPINE FAUNA STUDY CENTRE	Study Centre	0165/905808	Dégioz 65, 11010, Valsavarenche (AO)	YES	
ON THE TRACKS OF THE BEARDED VULTURE	Visitor Centre		Loc. Chanavey, 11010, Rhemes Notre Dame (AO)	YES	
AOSTA OFFICE	Local Authority Office	0165/44126	Via Losanna 5, 11100, Aosta (AO)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
There are 450 kilometres of marked trails throughout the Park, also at high altitude; facilities include 11 Alpine mountain lodges/shelters and 40 Park ranger huts. The best way to visit the Park is on foot, crossing woods and mountain prairies, to observe the animals that can be seen even without reaching a high altitude. Some of the marked trails are the paths taken by mules. They were marked for the hunting expeditions of Vittorio Emanuele II who, beginning in 1861, created a hunting reserve in this area. Today, the 325 kilometres of mule trails that connect all of the Park's valleys are very useful to monitor the area and include famous itineraries such as the one from Degioz Valsavarenche to the Royal Residence of Orvieille; from the Valle dell'Orco (on the Piemonte side) to the Colle del Nivolet in Noasca, passing through the Royal Residence. These mule trails also aided the construction of a network of paths created between the 1950's and 1960's, to connect the key points of the Park without having to descend back down to the valley. In this way a series of itineraries at medium altitude were created, offering unusual landscapes for the enjoyment of visitors, without having to make too much of an effort. These are, however, still mountain itineraries that thus require some hiking experience. The best way to reach these trails is through the valleys (Cogne, Valsavarenche and Rhemes) that can be reached via Aosta or through the Colle del Nivolet, accessible by the SS highway from Valle dell'Orco. One-day itineraries are possible as are longer hikes requiring more than one day, as overnight stops are possible at various mountain lodges or hotels. The best season to visit the Park is the summer up to October although the other seasons also offer a wide range of activities for visitors. The high altitude trail itineraries, for which the use of a map is always advised, always begin from houses or lodges that can be easily reached using the above mentioned mule trails. Besides these, there are also a number of environmental education trails at low altitude. Aside from hiking trails, the Gran Paradiso National Park also offers many other activities to be enjoyed in nature such as rock climbing, for example. In winter, cross-country skiing can be practiced and, where facilities are available, downhill skiing is also possible. Facilities for horse riding are increasing and the network of mule trails can also be crossed by mountain bike. High altitude (1,582 metres) wind surfing is also offered on the artificial lake of Ceresole. The characteristic Alpine mountain villages with bell towers and houses with sloping roofs, often painted with votive 18th century murals, are an added attraction to the Park. Green valleys surrounds them and they all have a good touristic capacity. A visit to the Paradisia Botanical Garden is also recommended. The Garden was inaugurated in 1955 in Valnontey, above Cogne at an altitude of 1,700 meters. The Garden, which takes its name from a rare white lily, the "Paradisia", was created for scientific, educational and tourism purposes. In 1964, the Station for Mountain Biology was also created, with the purpose of introducing new species of flora. The full spectrum of typical Italian mountain vegetation, the Gran Paradiso especially, can be seen in the Garden. There is also an experimental sector for the growing of medicinal plants.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
I SENSI IN GIOCO	Capoluogo	Ceresole Reale (TO)	Capoluogo	Ceresole Reale (TO)	1 hour	1,1 Km	YES	

Park Outline 
The Gran Paradiso National Park borders with the French Vanoise Park for several kilometres and with it, forms an international nature reserve with a land surface of 123,000 hectares, as a result of an expansion measure launched in 1979. The ancient and glorious Gran Paradiso Park has the historical merit of having saved the Alpine ibex from extinction. The difficult relationship with the local inhabitants, especially in the 1970's and 1980's, is improving at present. The Gran Paradiso National Park protects a vast area that geographically straddles Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta in the Graie Alps. The Valli dell'Orco and the Dora Baltea enclose it and it includes the only entirely Italian mountain peak over 4,000 meters, the Gran Paradiso (4.061 m). The Park area is comprised of five main valleys, three in Valle d'Aosta (Cogne, Valsavarenche, Rhemes) and two in Piemonte (Orco and Soana). The Park also includes about 60 large and small glaciers, about 60 lakes and numerous waterfalls. Besides the natural Alpine lakes, there are larger artificial basins, which, because of the large mass of water collected, influence the climate of the area with mist and a high humidity rate. Geologically, the Park is mainly comprised of Palaeozoic rocks and the Gran Paradiso itself is a single block of gneiss (rock formation of metamorphic origin), that determines its impressive and compact nature. The Gran Paradiso National Park was the first Italian national Park to be created with the objective of safeguarding the Alpine ibex. This animal was in danger of extinction throughout Europe in 1850 except for the approximately 100 Alpine ibex in the Gran Paradiso area, conseguently transformed into a reserve.

Wildlife 
The Park's vegetation is mainly composed of European larch forests and Norway spruce trees but only up to an altitude of 2.000-2.400 meters. In this same forest, Silver firs, Scots pines and Stone pines are also present. In the intermediate areas, between the woods and the Alpine pastures, Alder trees are found in the more humid enclaves while the sandy and rocky areas have Rhododendrons and Common junipers. Sheep's fescue dominates pastures together with mat-grass and sedges. On the cliffs and rocky outcrops there are many Seengreens (Sempervivum). We also see the Spiked genepi, the White genepi and the Yarrow. The Pennsylvania woodbine and the Thomas stinkweed (usually only present in North Africa) are also found. The Park also contains the Cortusa matthioli, the Pasque-flower, the Glacial buttercup, the Pyrenees buttercup and the giant flowering Sengreen. The presence of flowers over the 4.000 metre limit is extraordinary: Bellflowers, Bellis perennis, Saxifrages, Buttercups and Gentians along with more precious species including the Edelweiss, the Wormwood and the Glacier androsacea bloom. Lower down in altitude, one can also find woods of non-coniferous trees that are dominated by the Beech tree, the Silver birch and the Sycamore. 
The Alpine ibex is the animal that symbolizes the Park, and there are many of them here. In fact, it is because of this Park that this precious goat was saved from extinction. There are also many Chamois and Alpine marmots in the Park with Mountain hares, Foxes, Pine martens, Badgers, Ermines and Weasels. It is also possible to see other small animals: the Water shrew, the Common shrew, the Wood mouse, the Yellow necked mouse and the Snow vole. Bird life in the Park includes all mountain birds: the Golden eagle, the Ptarmigan, the Black grouse, the Rock partridge, the Tengmalm's owls, the Pygmy owl, the Alpine swift, the Black woodpeckers, the Great spotted woodpeckers, the Three-toed woodpeckers, the Nuthatch, the Crag martin, the Rock pipit, the Alpine accentor, the Rock thrush, the Ring ouzel, the Fieldfare, the Citril finch, the Snowfinch, the Nutcracker, the Alpine chough, the Chough, the Raven, the Hazel grouse, the Song thrush, the Garden warbler, the Goldcrest, the Firecrest and the Bullfinch. In the numerous rivers and streams, three Trout species can be found: the Brown trout, the Steel trout and the River trout.

History and Culture 
The enchanted Alpine landscape of the Gran Paradiso National Park shows the ancient relationship between man and mountain, a profound relationship that is manifested by widespread evidence throughout the Park, of the century ancient local pastoral and agricultural culture. Villages built in local stone wood and alpine pastures offer the opportunity to view the everyday lives of the inhabitants of these peaks. The simple domestic architecture of dwellings in the alpine pastures, including the Baite di Valmianaz on the road to Herbetet, the Baite di Vaudalettaz in Val di Rhemes and the Alpe Bardoney above Lillaz, include a house, a stable and a barn all in one construction, and are a concrete example of the tradition of Alpine dwelling which is still today deeply rooted in the area. The cultural heritage monuments, present beyond the borders of the Park, are also closely connected to the Park area both historically and geographically. There are roman ruins in Aosta, in the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Pretoria, and the Archaeological Museum. In Pondel, an ancient Roman bridge crosses the spectacular Grand Eyvia canyon. The two castles, Serre and Aymavilles, are also characteristic of Aosta. They are located in a strategic defence position between Valle d'Aosta and Piemonte. The traces remaining of the Royal House of Savoia are also interesting. The 18th century mule trails used to reach the hunting grounds and the dwellings of Gran Piano di Noasca ed Orveille, today constitute the foundation of the Park's trail network.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Various agricultural and pastoral activities are carried out within the Park. In Cogne, traditional bobbin lace is made with the ancient method and there is also a school that teaches this craft. In the summer there is an exhibit on bobbin lace at the Maison de Pits. In Val Soana, traditional costumes are made and in Introd there are many wood carvers and wrought iron artisans, though activities for the latter are decreasing. In Rhemes-St. Georges, there are many crafts but the focus is on agricultural implements and on all the tools needed to work the land. There is an interesting annual meeting of the artisans in the valley at Rhemes-Notre Dame. In Villeneuve, leather is crafted while in Pont Canavese the focus is on copper and wood. Here, every year in the spring, there is a arts and crafts exhibition.

Tourist Information 
•	AIAT - Azienda di Informazione e Accoglienza Turistica - Aosta Tel. 0165/33352 Fax 0165/40532 
•	AIAT - Azienda di Informazione e Accoglienza Turistica - Cogne (AO) Tel. 0165/74040 Fax 0165/749125 
•	AIAT - Azienda di Informazione e Accoglienza Turistica Grand Paradis - Champagne n. 18 - Villeneuve (AO) Tel. 0165/95055 Fax 0165/95975 
•	Segreteria Turistica del Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso - Noasca (TO) Tel./Fax 0124/901070 
•	ATL del Canavese e Valli di Lanzo - Ivrea (TO) Tel. 0125/618195-618131 Fax 0125/618140 
•	ATL del Canavese e Valli di Lanzo - Lanzo (TO) Tel. 0123/28070 Fax 0125/28091

GRAN SASSO E MONTI DELLA LAGA NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park Regions: Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche Provinces: Ascoli Piceno, L'Aquila, Pescara, Rieti, Teramo Size: 141.341 hectares Institution: L. 06/12/91, n. 394; DD.MM. 04/12/92-04/11/93-22/11/94; D.P.R. 05/06/95 Main Office: Ente Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga - Via del Convento, 1 - 67010 Assergi (AQ) - Tel. 0862/60521 - Fax 0862/606675
E-mail: ente@gransassolagapark.it 
Web: www.gransassolagapark.it 

How to Get There 
By car: the Gran Sasso area can be reached via the highway A24, while the Monti della Laga area is closer to the Rieti region and can be reached with the freeway SS 4 freeway as far as Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto. For the South-West, take freeway SS 17 from L'Aquila towards Navelli and from here take freeway SS 153 up to Valle del Pescara. The area South-West of the Park is the more difficult to reach due to winding roads which are taken from Valle del Pescara up to the mountain.
By bus: the major cities are connected with the towns near the Park by various bus lines: the ARPA line from L'Aquila, Teramo and Pescara; the COTRAL line from Rieti.
By train: train service only goes as far as L'Aquila or Teramo.

In Brief 
Of the different parks established in Italy by L. no. 394/91, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is one of the largest in Italy, with five provinces districts within its borders. The Park Authority has worked effectively to enhance accessibility to a widespread public. In fact, all of the 38 structures, including offices and service areas are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as children, elderly people and people with disabilities. Two other paths will soon be added to this list. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Other Park facilities include:
14 Areas with facilities (in the towns of Pizzoli, Campotosto, Arischia, L'Aquila, Campli, Crognaleto, Torricella Sicura, Valle Castellana, Bussi, Farindola, Montebello di Bertona, Arquata del Tronto);
6 Hostels and campsites;
3 Wildlife areas;
1 Environmental education centre;
4 Museums and archaeological areas, some of which have facilities that are specifically planned for access on the part of persons with limited motor skills (i.e. the Museum of S.Pietro di Isola del Gran Sasso - currently under construction, and the Museum of Camoscio d'Abruzzo in Farindola).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0862/60521	Via del Convento 1, 67010, Assergi (AQ)	YES	
ISOLA DEL GRAN SASSO PARK AUTHORITY	Park Autority Branch Offices	0861/97301	Largo Torrione, 64045, Isola del Gran Sasso (TE)	YES	
FARINDOLA PARK AUTHORITY	Park Autority Branch Offices	085/823100	Via S. Rocco, 65010, Farindola (PE)	YES	
SAN COLOMBO	Service Centre		Barisciano (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Villa S. Lucia (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Campotosto	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Campotosto	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Catel del Monte	YES	
MOPOLINO	Service Centre		Capitignano (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		S. Stefano di Sessiano (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Castelvecchio Calvisio (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Calascio (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Capestrano (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Arischia (AQ)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Arsita (TE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Castelli (TE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Fano Adriano (TE)	YES	
RIPE DI CIVITELLA	Service Centre		Civitella del Tronto (TE)	YES	
PADULA DI CORTINO	Service Centre		Cortino (TE)	YES	
CEPPO	Service Centre		Rocca S. Maria (TE)	YES	
NERITO	Service Centre		Crognaleto (TE)	YES	
PALADINI	Service Centre		Crognaleto (TE)	YES	
PIANO VOMANO	Service Centre		Crognaleto (TE)	YES	
CESACASTINA	Service Centre		Crognaleto (TE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Pietracamela (TE)	YES	
S. PIETRO	Service Centre		Isola del Gran Sasso (TE)	YES	
CASALE S. NICOLA	Service Centre		Isola del Gran Sasso (TE)	YES	
MACCHIA DA SOLE	Service Centre		Valle Castellana (TE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Tossicia (TE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Brittoli (PE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Bussi (PE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Villa Celiera (PE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Corvara (PE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Montebello di Bertona (PE)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Acquasanta Terme (AP)	YES	
DUE PARCHI SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Arquata del Tronto (AP)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Amatrice (RI)	YES	
SERVICE CENTRE	Service Centre		Accumoli (RI)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
There are numerous possibilities for excursions in the Park area and, for this reason, it is necessary to obtain guidebooks and updated maps of the entire region. The following trails pass through the Park: the Sentiero Italia (Italy Path), the Sentiero dei Quattro Vada (panoramic), and the Sentiero del Centenario (mountainous). There are not specific facilities in the Monti della Laga area, but the trails are marked. A noteworthy trail is the one that goes up the Cima della Pietra peak (on Monte Gorzano), which takes approximately three hours to complete. Another one goes through the Macchie Piane and another is located in Santa Maria Apparente near Campotosto. The Gran Sasso area can be visited starting from Prati di Tivo and from Campo Imperatore using the shelters and campsites set up by the CAI (hiking club). There is also a trail to the peak, with a route enabling visitors to see many beautiful plant species and the breathtaking landscapes of the Park. Information on the Reserve at Lago di Penne, located within the National Park, can be obtained from the Park Authority or directly from the Reserve Management.
The following paths and/or nature works are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:

Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
S. PIETRO	S. Pietro	Isola del G.S. (TE)	S.Pietro	Isola del G.S. (TE)	About 1 hour	N/A	N/A	
FARINDOLA (under construction)	Farindola	(PE)	Farindola	(PE)				

Park Outline 
Part of a single protected area since 1995, thanks to a victorious long battle fought by environmentalists. The battle preserved the area from devastating projects of ski resorts which were mostly planned in the Teramo area in past years. The enormity of the protected area and the large number of towns involved are a great challenge for the recently established Park Authority. The enormous mountain range that makes up the Park is located in the Central Apennines. There are actually two distinct rock formations: Gran Sasso, which is entirely situated within Abruzzo, and Monti della Laga that spans three different regions: Abruzzo, Lazio and the Marche. Within the Park's borders are located the Regional Nature Reserve of Gole del Salinello (since 1990), the State Reserve of Lago di Campotosto (since 1984), the Regional Nature Reserve of Voltigno-Valle d'Angri (since 1989), the WWF Oasis of Lago di Penne (in collaboration with the Region). Gran Sasso is the highest mountain in the Apennines. Corno Grande reaches a peak of 2.912 metres and many others are over 2.500 metres in height. Monti della Laga are perhaps less well known and, also for this reason, are the most intact mountains of the entire Apennine chain. All of the main peaks reach about 2.500 metres and Monte Gorzano (2.458 m.) is the highest in Lazio. The two rock formations are geologically different. Gran Sasso is made up of calcareous and dolomite rocks as well as marly-sandstone rocks; consequently, the karstic phenomena has produced underground shallows, dolines and caves. On Gran Sasso occurs the only Apennine glacier, the Calderone, at 2.775 metres located at the foot of Corno Grande; it is the southernmost glacier in Europe. Plains and valleys alternate between the peaks, such as Campo Imperatore, Val Mavone, Vallone d'Angora and Fosso Chiarino.
Monti della Laga, compared to other Apennine mountains, has the characteristic of being mostly made of tertiary sandstone, a sedimentary rock less pearmeable than limestone, which led to the development of a complex surface water system, with many streams and waterfalls (Valle delle Cento Cascate, Volpara, Tordino, Barche, Prata).

Wildlife 
The Gran Sasso altitude prairies and rock debris are rich in species and many species can be recorded even in a small patch. The tree limit is at a lower elevation (at about 1.600 metres) due to centuries of logging undertaken to create new pastures. The most common species is the Beech, sometimes associated with the rare Silver firs; Oaks are abundant at lower elevation. Being the Monti della Laga wild mountains, the vegetation in the valleys and on the mountainsides is well preserved. Turkey oaks, Sweet chestnut trees, Beeches and Silver firs are present, together with many wildflowers. 
Its recent establishment as a National Park will hopefully bring an end to the declining of animals species and number that has occurred over the past years. Lately, in the Gran Sasso area, Chamois have been reintroduced to live side by side with the few remaining Roe deers in the area. There are about 30 Wolves and the rare Wildcat; Foxes are very often seen. Otters are being raised in the Lago di Penne Reserve as their numbers in Italy are greatly diminishing. The hope is too soon be able to reintroduce them to the entire area. There are a few pairs of Golden eagles and Peregrine falcons, as well as the more common Kestrel and the Buzzard. Other species that can be observed are the Nuthatch, the Snowfinch, the Rock partridge, the Rock pipit and the Alpine accentor. Reptile and amphibian life includes the Hydromantes italicus, a newt living in caves, and the Alpine newt (in the glacial lake of the Pannicaro in Laga) and the Meadow viper, as well as the Common frog.

History and Culture 
The development of a cultural landscape of the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga began with the Neolithic shepherds. This landscape was carefully designed over centuries by the presence of local communities, sheep-tracks, animals' pens and religious art. Important medieval settlements, well located in the natural environment, today surround the Park. The neighbourhood villages of Assergi, Castel del Monte, S. Stefano in Sessanio, Pietracamela, Castelli and Civitella del Tronto offer the visitor a characteristic urban structure, entirely built out of local stone, with narrow streets and tortuous stairways, highlighting the deep connection with the environment and the need to maintain control over the territory. The towns of Amatrice and L'Aquila combine brilliant town planning to the abundance of artistic and archaeological monuments that tourists and art lovers should visit. In Amatrice, there are the Churches of San Francesco (13th century), of San Agostino (15th century), as well as numerous 16th and 17th century palaces. In L'Aquila, the Fountain of the 99 waterpipes is famous, as it is the Basilica of S. Maria di Collemaggio, a masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic architecture in Abruzzo, and the Church of San Bernardino. Other medieval artefacts include the many castles and monastry built between the 9th and 12th centuries, such as Rocca Calascio and the monasteries of S.Pietro ad Oratorium. The Church of S. Maria della Pieta', located on a peak between the medieval town of S. Stefano di Sessanio and the above-mentioned castle of Rocca Calascio, is noteworthy. Special mention goes to the hermitages of the Gole del Salinello and in the Grotta di S.Angelo, which demonstrate the centuries old usage of the territory through the well-preserved traces of prehistoric inhabitants.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Numerous towns are located within the Park; it is therefore very difficult to provide a complete list of all the different local handmade products. Focusing on the three regions: the Marche are known for their lace and weavings as well as musical instruments; Abruzzo is known for ceramics, copper products, lace and leather goods; Rieti (Lazio) is known for its lace and textile production as well as its woodwork. The Park also contains various agricultural projects, some of them linked to the antique farming heritage of the area, as well as top quality products made from traditional recipes. The Gran Sasso area has lentils from Santo Stefano di Sessanio, cicerchia from Castelvecchio Calvisio, saffron, red garlic, marcetto of Castel del Monte, pastinaccio from Capitigliano, roscetta apples from Montereale and pecorino sheep cheese of Farindola. The Laga area has Grisciano di Accumoli beans, various varieties of chestnuts including the Marrone di Valle Castellana and the Amatrice, as well as the nzita and pallante from the Marche regions. An antique and well-known kind of pork cold cut is also typical to the region, known as the mortadelline di Campotosto.

Tourist Information 
•	APTR (Abruzzo Promozione Turistica) - Pescara Tel. 085/429001 Fax 085/298246 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Teramo Tel. 0861/244222 Fax 0861/244357 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Ascoli Piceno Tel. 0736/253045 Fax 0736/252391 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - L'Aquila Tel. 0862/22306 Fax 0862/27486 
•	APT (Azienda Promozione Turistica) - Rieti Tel. 0746/203220 Fax 0746/270446

ARCIPELAGO DI LA MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Sardegna
Province: Sassari
Size: 5.100 hectares of land surface and 15.046 hectares of sea surface
Institution: L. 04/01/1994, n. 10
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena - Via Giulio Cesare, 7 - 07024 La Maddalena (SS) - Tel. 0789/720044/45/46/51 - Fax 0789/720050
E-mail: parcolamaddalena@tiscalinet.it 
Web: www.lamaddalenapark.it 

How to Get There 
By car: from Livorno, Civitavecchia, Genova, La Spezia, Piombino to the Olbia port by hydrofoil and high speed auto transport ferries; then follow the freeway SS 125 to Arzachena and on to Palau. From here, take the hovercraft to La Maddalena. Daily boat trips are available to/from the main islands. From Sassari take freeway SS 597 towards Oblia and follow the indications. 
By ferry: take the hovercraft from Palau to La Maddalena island.

In Brief 
Among the newest parks, the La Maddalena National Park protects a marine sector three times larger than its land surface area. The Park Authority has dedicated itself to promote the Park and make it accessible to a widespread public. 
All the 6 structures, comprised of environmental education centres, research centres, museums, etc., are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. The Park Authority also organizes guided visits for visitors with disabilities at the Mineral Museum. Publications include "A Park for all", and the "International Conference on Global Accessibility" held by the Park Authority in 1999. More detailed information is available in the following report (Park Authority Data, 2002). 
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0789/720044/45/46/51	Via G. Cesare 7, 07024, La Maddalena (SS)	YES	
CEA	Environmental Educational Centre		Loc. Stagnali-Isola di Caprera, 07024, La Maddalena (SS)	YES	
BLU PARK CONSORTIUM	Information Centre, Ticket Reservations	0789/723053	Via Principe Tommaso, 07024, La Maddalena (SS)	YES	
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER	Research Centre	0789/727897	Loc. Stagnali-Isola di Caprera, 07024, La Maddalena (SS)	YES	
GARIBALDI NATIONAL MUSEUM	Museum	0789/727162	Isola di Caprera, 07024, La Maddalena (SS)	Yes, with help	
GEO-MINERAL MUSEUM	Museum		Loc. Stagnali-Isola di Caprera,07024, La Maddalena (SS)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
Several excursions leave daily from Palau to the main Park islands; lunch on board is included. 
A sample of excursions: 
La Maddalena: the only inhabited island of the archipelago, with a total of 13,000 residents. It can be reached by hovercraft from Palau. Garibaldi's presence (the 1800 italian patriot) is marked in the town centre by monuments such as the Colonna, The Palazzo Comunale and the Parco della Musica where a bust of his wife Anita is placed. 
Caprera: the richest island from a naturalistic point of view, Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a bridge which passes by the Garibaldi Museum. The Porto Palma sailing school is located here. Cliffs are exposed above the sea on the Northwest side, creating inlets such Cala Coticcio - famous throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty. 
Spargi and Budelli: smaller islands characterised by white and pink sand beaches. 
Razzoli and Santa Maria: joined by the Passo degli Asinelli, these are the Northernmost islands with rocks sculpted by wind and sea forces. On the island of Santa Maria there is a small medieval monastery of Benedictine monks. Cradled amongst the islands of Razzoli, Budelli, and Santa Maria, the Porto Della Madonna lagoon creates one of the most suggestive views of the Park and the location where, according to legend, clear emerald green waters gave birth to Venus.

Park Outline 
The particular environment of the Park has miraculously saved the Archipelago from the devastating urbanization of the Gallura region over the past few decades, but only the alertness of environmentalists has prevented potentially devastating tourism projects on the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. If the Bocche di Bonifacio International Marine Potected Area joins the Park in the coming years, it should prevent similar dangers and provide a more balanced environment to the group of islands. The Park includes the Archipelago situated Northeast of the Sardinia region and is comprised of seven main islands and numerous smaller islands and enclaves belonging to the La Maddalena township along with a strip of sea that surrounds the islands. The main islands are: La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. Beaches, cliffs, ravines and white and pink sand characterize an area of rare beauty and particular natural history and culture. The islands are formed by rose-colored granite rock sculpted by the wind into amazing shapes. The recently instituted Park Authority is currently organizing large-scale events to promote a sustainable management of the area, improving agricultural and pastoral activities and the development of compatible activities connected to fishing, navigation and tourism.

Wildlife 
The vegetation on the island is the typical Mediterranean costal maquis: Juniper, Mastic tree, Heath tree, Rockrose, Euphorbia and European holly cover the rocky areas; the beaches and sandy areas are covered with pioneer plants and psammophile vegetation. Rockrose, Heath tree, and Rosemary have colonized the areas affected by fires. In some parts, Holm oak and Strawberry tree forests are able to resist the strong winds. Animal life on the island is comprised of the Marginated tortoise and birds appear on the islands during the migratory periods: in particular, some rare species such as the Cory's and Manx shearwater inhabit the rocky areas of the islands. The Park's species richness derives almost entirely from the sea: there are many rare species in an entirely conserved environment. Two rare species stand out in particular: the encrusted red seaweed, Lithophyllum lichenoides, and the Ribbed mediterranean, Patella ferruginea. The seabed is filled with Mediterranean seagrass populated by numerous species of fish and colourful molluscs. In addition, the sandbanks and the coral limestone rocks promote the abundance of many coral varieties. Various species of dolphins have been studied for years along the coasts of the Park, where they find food and fairly tranquil waters in which they often reproduce.

History and Culture 
Archaeological research along the Santo Stefano Villamarina has uncovered traces of human presence in the Maddalena archipelago dating back to the Neolithic period. The presence of Romans is demonstrated by the discovery of archaeological navigation and trading materials. An archaeological research campaign carried out in 1958, in the stretch of sea from the Spargi canal along the Maddalena island, brought to light the remains of a 2nd century BC sailing vessel. Today these remains are conserved in the Museo Lamboglia in La Maddalena. The islands of Budelli and Santa Maria were in the first century a pirate's stronghold. The Archipelago has been inhabited by shepherds who have made their homes on the islands since the 1500's.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Local dairy products are typical of these areas, such as Sardinian pecorino, fresh soft cheese and lamb cooked on skewers. Typical dishes are grilled seafood, lobster and pasta or rice with shellfish and molluscs accompanied with a nice Sardinian Vermentino wine.

Tourist Information 
•	Ente Provinciale del Turismo - Sassari Tel. 079/299544 Fax 079/299415 
•	Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo - Sassari Tel. 079/233534 Fax 079/237585 
•	Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo - La Maddalena - Palau (SS) Tel. 0789/736321 Fax 0789/736655 

MAIELLA NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Abruzzo
Provinces: Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara
Size: 62.838 hectares
Institution: L. 06/12/91, n. 394; DD.MM. 04/12/92-04/11/93-22/11/94; D.P.R. 05/06/95
Legal office: Ente Parco Nazionale della Maiella - Via Occidentale, 6 - 66016 Guardiagrele (CH) - Tel. 0871/80371 - Fax 0871/800340
Main office: Piazza A. Duval - 67030 Campo di Giove (AQ) - Tel. 0864/40851 - Fax 0864/4085350
E-mail: pnmajella@arc.it 
Web: www.parcomajella.it 

How to Get There 
By car: take highway A25 with exits in Sulmona, Bussi, Torre de' Passeri, and Alanno Scafa. Freeways SS 363, 83, and 81 lead there from Chieti and Lanciano, and from the South follow indications for Venafro, Castel di Sangro - Roccaraso. Follow reeway SS 17 from L'Aquila.
By train: the Roma-Sulmona-Pescara line stops at the stations of Sulmona, Pratola Peligna, Corfinio, Popoli, Bussi, Tocco-Castiglione, Torre de' Passeri, Piano d'Orta-Bolognano, Scafa-Caramanico, Alanno, and Manoppello. The Sulmona - Carpinone line reaches Cansano, Campo di Giove, Palena, Rivisondoli, and Pescocostanzo.
By bus: bus lines lead from province centres of Pescara, Autolinee Arpa; Lanciano, Autolinea Sangritana. 

In Brief 
Instituted by law number 394 in 1991, the Maiella National Park has been operative for just a few years. Located in a typically mountainous landscape, the Maiella boasts the second largest peak of the Apennines, with the Mt. Amaro peak surging up 2,793 meters. The Park Authority has been promoting tourism throughout the area and working on making the Park accessible to a widespread public. Out of 15 offices, museums, visitor centres, information centres, etc., 7 are accessible to vositors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, as well as 4 nature trails. In addition, guided visits for visitors with disabilities can be requested at the Park Visitor Centre. A publication entitled "Not Just Nature" and a tourist map outlining park trails with related access information is being developed. More detailed information is available in the following report and in Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002). 
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY (LEGAL OFFICE)	Main Office	0871/80371	Via Occidentale 6, 66016, Guardiagrele (CH)	NO	
PARK AUTHORITY (HEAD OFFICE)	Main Office	0864/40851	P.zza Duval, 67030, Campo di Giove (AQ)	NO	
SULMONA MUSEUM	Museum	0864/210216	Palazzo Santissima Annunziata, 67039, Sulmona (AQ)	NO	
SULMONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY	Museum	0864/55948	Via Angeloni 11, 67039, Sulmona (AQ)	YES	
BOLOGNANO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	085/8880343	Via A. Palumbo, 65020, Bolognano (PE)	NO	
CARAMANICO TERME VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre, Wildlife Area, CEA	085/922343	Via del Vivaio 1, 65023, Caramanico Terme (PE)	YES	
LAMA DEI PELIGNI VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre, Botanical Garden	0872/916067	Via Colle Madonna, 66010, Lama dei Peligni (CH)	YES	
RAPINO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0871/84200	Via Vicende 1, 66010, Rapino (CH)	YES	
SANT'EUFEMIA A MAIELLA VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre, Botanical Garden	0864/408005	Loc. Boschetto, 65020, Sant'Eufemia a Maiella (PE)	YES	
FARA SAN MARTINO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0872/980034	P.zza Municipio, 66015, Fara San Martino (CH)	NO	
CAMPO DI GIOVE INFORMATION CENTRE	Visitor Centre	347/1344793	P.zza Duva, l 67030, Campo di Giove (AQ)	NO	
GUARDIAGRELE INFORMATION CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0871/800023	Vicolo Iacobitti 6, 66016, Guardiagrele (CH)	YES	
PACENTRO INFORMATION CENTRE	Visitor Centre		Via Roma, 67030, Pacentro (AQ)	NO	
PESCOCOSTANZO INFORMATION CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0864/641551	P.zza Municipio, 13, 67033, Pescocostanzo (AQ)	NO	
PENNAPIEDIMONTE INFORMATION CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0871/897460	Via Cavata 27, 66010, Pennapiedimonte (CH)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The Maiella Park can be visited thanks to a series of trail that are currently available. The trail network in the Park is currently being completed, allowing access to wildest part of the Park: The Sentiero Italia, which is a long distance national path, goes through the Park; the Cresta Blokhaus-Guado of Coccia is a classic hike, and many of the trails are marked by the CAI (hiking club) and local Mountain Authorities. Mount Amaro can be reached from Fara San Martino and Campo di Giove which is also the starting point for excursion to valleys and caves such as the Cavallone. The Lama dei Peligni visitor centre is open for visits, and has a natural science and archaeology museum, a Neolithic village, a botanical garden, and an Apennine animal shelter (more information can be found at the Lama dei Peligni visitor centre). In Caramanico there is a visitor centre and a natural/archaeological museum; the visitor centre organizes excursions to the Orfento Valley. There are various options for overnight accommodation in the Park.
While the S. Antonio di Gamberale (CH) and Colle Bandiera di Palombaro (CH) trails are being completed, the following paths or nature walks can be taken by visitors with mobility limitations: 
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
LA VALLE TRAIL	Bocca di Valle	Guardiagrele (CH)	Bocca di Valle	Guardiagrele (CH)	5 min	70	YES	
LAMA BIANCA AND FONTE DELLA FRATTA TRAIL	Lama Bianca	Sant'Eufemia a Maiella (PE)	Fonte della Fratta	Sant'Eufemia a Majella (PE)	1 h 30 min	3,300	YES	
GROTTA ZAPPANO TRAIL	Lama Bianca	Sant'Eufemia a Maiella (PE)	Grotta Zappano	Sant'Eufemia a Majella (PE)	20 min	600	YES	
ALENTO RIVER TRAIL	Badia di San Liberatore	Serramonacesca (PE)	Badia di San Liberatore	Serramonacesca (PE)	10 min	200	YES	

Park Outline 
The Majella Madre (this is how locals name the mountain) went though a long process before becoming a protected area. Initially the Park was prevented from the destructive development of ski resorts in the area (the damaging results of this type of development are clearly visible at the Maielletta) and successively numerous small reserves were created (Valle dell'Orfento, Fara S. Martino, Maiella Orientale and others). This brought to the consensus of local communities, which then supported the institution of the National Park. The park belongs entirely to the Abruzzo region. 
The entire massif seems to be a giant cupola with tablelands and mountain slopes. It is geologically composed of limestone rock formed upon the tropical seas of 100 million years ago; these sea formations rose up due to the drift of the African plate toward the European one. Successively the massif was modelled by glaciers and in succession by karstic erosion. 
This latest phenomenon created dolines and enormous caves systems such as the Cavallone in Taranta Peligna; the many stalactites and stalagmites that can be observed in this cave are still called by the name given them by Gabriele d'Annunzio (an Italian poet) in 1903 during a visit. Several natural reserves existed before the institution of the Park, such as the famous Valle dell'Orfento, with a rich water system that crash down 60 metres into the Sfischia waterfall. The other reserves are the Feudo Ugni, Quarto S. Chiara, Monte Rotondo, Piana Grande della Maielletta, Fara S. Martino - Palombaro, the Lama Bianca of S. Eufemia in Maiella, and the Vera river springs. The Regional natural reserves of Valle dell'Orta, Maiella Orientale and Bosco S. Antonio now belong to the Maiella National Park Authority as per regional law 17/99.

Wildlife 
Turkey oak and Downy oak woods are found in the lowlands of the Park together with Hornbeam and Mann ash. At elevations of 1,000 to 1,800 meters, the Beech woods are abundant. Above the tree limit, were the climate is too harsh for trees to grow; only low shrubs such as Juniper and the Mugo pine (a pine commonly found in the Alps that is rare in the Apennines and is only found in the Majella and in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park) are present. Above 2,400 meters, the shrubs are replaced by high altitude prairies and debris constantly whipped from the wind and the cold. The prairies are abundant in many species of wildflower that bloom all together at the beginning of summer creating a show of unique beauty. Aside from being beautiful, the flowering prairies are of exceptional botanical value with more than 1800 species which make the Majella one of the richest flora in the Apennine. The exceptional aspect lies also in the large number of endemic species (exclusive to this Park) such as the Maiella violet and the Maiella bedstraw. The Valle dell'Orfento (natural reserve) stretches along 800 to 1.800 metres; there is diverse Beech forest, while in the valley (where there are fascinating gorges), the humidity favours the growth of Ferns and Mosses.
The most important animal species of the Park is definitely the Marsicano's bear. Wolves and Wildcats are also present, and the Red dear and the Roe dear have also been reintroduced to maintain the balance between prey and predators. The Fox, the Pine marten, the Dormouse and other animals live in the forest. A few years ago, the Chamois of the Abruzzo National Park was introduced in this area in the hopes that with time it may once again populate the entire Maiella region. Bird life includes the Golden eagle, the Pilgrim falcon, the rare Lanner and Eagle owl; at high elevation is present the only Italian nesting area of the Dotterel. On the high peaks are also abundant the Rock partridge, the Alpine chough and the Chough. The deep valleys provide home to: amphibians such as the Fire salamanders and Yellow bellied toad; to the Dipper (small bird that finds food in water) and to the Otter. The rare Italian trout and freshwater crayfish are found in the rivers. Abundant are the endemic insects.

History and Culture 
In the Grotta Piccioni and the Grotta Scura, located in the Orta River valley, are present interesting rock cave paintings of the neolithic period. In the Maiella man created a cultural landscape consisting of a system of settlements with close ties to the natural environment such as: villages, hermitages, caves, and dry-stone dwellings; the harsh relationship between man and the arid land is responsible of the strong connection between work and spirituality. Above the inhabited centre of Sulmona there are ancient ruins dating back to the 1st century A.D. and belonging to a Roman cult complex which includes the Ercole Curino. The archaeological findings are now housed in the local town museum. The particular spirituality of the area is demonstrated by the 40 hermitages - of medieval to 13th century construction started under Pietro da Morrone who later became Pope Celestino V - spread throughout the mountains of the Park. Dug into the rock formations or built against the cliffs, the hermitages fit perfectly within the natural landscape. Among the most interesting and best conserved are those of San Bartolomeo di Legio, S. Giovanni and S. Onofrio all'Orfento, S. Angelo di Lama dei Peligni, S. Angelo di Palombaro, Madonna dell'Altare di Palena, S. Croce and S. Onofrio al Morrone. Fascinating examples of agricultural-pastoral complexes are located near Roccamorice, Colle Civita and Valle Giumentina. The most significant historic centres are positioned in such a way that they surround the highest peak of the Maiella, and the most impressive ones are Roccamorice, Pescocostanzo, Pacentro, and Pennapiedimonte, all worth visiting.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
The Maiella National Park stretches out over an area that embraces different handicrafts of the Abruzzo region. Wrought iron and metal are typical of the Chieti area, and in Guardiagrele precious metal works are produced. Woodworking is typical of the Chieti and Pescocostanzo area, famous for its intricate lace work. The most famous craftwork in Abruzzo is ceramic, a tradition dating back to the 13th century throughout the region. Fabric and carpet weaving are popular in Taranta Peligna, Fara San Martino, Castel Frentano, and Pescocostanzo.

Tourist Information 
•	APTR (Abruzzo Promozione Turistica) - Pescara Tel. 085/429001 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Chieti Tel. 0871/63640 Fax 0871/63647 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - L'Aquila Tel. 0862/22306 Fax 0862/27486 
•	IAT (Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Sulmona (AQ) Tel./Fax 0864/53276 

MONTI SIBILLINI NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Regions: Marche, Umbria
Provinces: Ascoli Piceno, Macerata, Perugia
Size: 69.722 hectares
Institution: L. 11/03/88, n. 67; L. 28/08/89, n. 305; DD.MM. 13/07/89-03/02/90; D.P.R. 06/08/93
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini - L.go Gian Battista Antinori, 1 - 62039 Visso (MC) - Tel. 0737/972711 - Fax 0737/972707
E-mail: informazioni@sibillini.net 
Web: www.sibillini.net 

How to Get There 
By car: from the South-West (Roma), take freeway SS 4 Salaria until Arquata del Tronto (one of the towns in the Park). From the North, take the highway A1 to the Orte exit. Continue on towards Spoleto and, once you pass Forca di Cerro, take the freeway SS 209 towards Visso, or take a branch of the freeway SS 396 towards Norcia. From the direction of the Adriatic, coming from the North, take the highway A14 Bologna-Canosa exit at Civitanova Marche, follow the freeway for Macerata, then taking the freeway SS 78 until Amandola (a town within the park on the North Eastern side). Coming from the South, take the highway A 14 to the S. Benedetto del Tronto exit, then take the beltway for Ascoli-Piceno and the freeway SS 4 Salaria until Arquata del Tronto.

In Brief 
Established in 1988, though only operational a few years ago, the Monti Sibillini National Park has distinguished itself for the efforts to promote the area and has taken great strides to make the park accessible to a widespread public. 7 out of 14 offices, information centres, park buildings and panoramic viewpoints, can be accessed by visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, in addition to two nature trails. More detailed information is available in the following report and in Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0737/972711	L.go G. Antinori 1, 62039, Visso (MC)	NO	
AMANDOLA PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0736/848598	V.le Indipendenza 73, 63021, Amandola (AP)	NO	
ARQUATA DEL TRONTO PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0736/809600	Via del Mattatoio 2, 63041, Arquata del Tronto (AP)	NO	
MONTEGALLO PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0736//806606	Via G. Marconi 13, 63040, Montegallo (AP)	NO	
MONTEMONACO PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0736/856462	Via Roma, 63048, Montemonaco (AP)	NO	
BOLOGNOLA PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0737/520160	Via Loreto 10, 62030, Bolognola (MC)	NO	
CASTELSANTANGELO PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0737/970089	Via Roma 19, 62030, Castelsantangelo sul Nera (MC)	YES	
FIASTRA PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0737/52598	Via B.S. Lorenzo al Lago, 62033, Fiastra (MC)	YES	
MONTEFORTINO PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0736/851414	Via Roma 8, 63047, Montefortino (AP)	YES	
NORCIA PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0743/817090	Via Solferino 22, 06046, Norcia (PG)	YES	
PRECI PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0743/937000	Via Madonna della Peschiera, 06047, Preci (PG)	YES	
VISSO PARK HOUSE	Information Office	0737/95262	P.zza Capuzi 55, 62039, Visso (MC)	YES	
ROE WILDLIFE AREA	Roe Wildlife Area		Fraz. Campi di Norcia, 06046, Norcia (PG)	N/A	
PANORAMIC POINT	Panoramic Point		Loc. Lago di Fiastra - Forca Canapine, 62033, Fiastra (MC)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The National Park of Monti Sibillini offers numerous possibilities for beautiful hikes with different degrees of difficulties, picnic areas are also available along the tracks. Mountain climbing and cross country skiing (in the Winter) can also be enjoyed and mountain bikes can be used on some trails. Among the Park's facilities, there is the Grande Anello dei Sibillini which includes paths for visitors with disabilities and eight shelters. The following list comprises a few trails that can be completed in less than six hours, to an elevation no higher than 1100 metres and requiring only regular hiking gear:
The first is on the Umbria side and passes through the Val di Canatra in the area of Castelluccio di Norcia;
The second, in the Macerata area, passes through the Val di Panico and the Valle del Fiastrone;
The third is in the Ascoli-Piceno area. It starts at the Piazzale delle Pisciarelle. It can be reached easily from Rubbiano and leads to the Gole dell'Infernaccio in Val di Tenna (where the mouth of the Tenna river can be seen), up to Casale Pantanelli from which a path that passes through the lower slopes of Monte Priora offering magnificent views.
There are other enjoyable places worth visiting, such as the Valle Castoriana on the Umbrian side with the Abbey of S. Eutizio. The residential area of Norcia is also on the Umbria side. Also nearby is the fascinating locality of Castelluccio. On the Marche side, Montefortino, Cupi, Macereto and Amandola are interesting mountain towns worthwhile visiting. It is always suggested to bring updated guidebooks and maps of the locations. 
Numerous guides, specially trained by the Park Authority, offer assistance to visitors within the Park's area. 
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
GRANDE ANELLO DEI SIBILLINI	Fiastra	Fiastra (MC)	S. Lorenzo al Lago	Fiastra (MC)	25 min	800	YES	
GRANDE ANELLO DEI SIBILLINI	Forca di Presta	Arquata del Tronto (AP)	Forca Canapine	Arquata del Tronto (AP)	1 h 20 min	2700	YES	

Park Outline 
Having fortunately missed out on damaging touristic development projects (such as the Monte Sibillina destructive highway), since 1990' this splendid mountain range has become a National Park, protecting its extraordinary environments, its landscapes and its historical and cultural heritage. The Monti Sibillini is a range in the central Apennines that stretches between Umbria and the Marche for 40 kilometres from north to south, much like a watershed between the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic. The mountains are very imposing and are marked by a wild and rough landscape. Many peaks are over 2000 metres in elevation, such as Monte Vettore (2,476 metres, the highest), Monte Priora, Monte Bove, Monte Sibilla and others. Being predominately limestone, the rocks have been shaped by karst phenomenon and glaciers resulting in steep rock faces, deep gorges, ravines and extensive plains. The largest and wildest area can be found on the Marche side, where the Val di Panico and the Valle del Fiastrone are located. The Umbria side includes the Piani di Castelluccio. The extensive green plains, such as the Piano Grande (6 km long by 3 km wide), the smaller Piano Perduto, Piano dei Pantani and Pian Piccolo plains, are all that remains of a lake bed whose waters emptied out into a karstic swallow-hole, that is still active. The Pilato Lake, at the base of Monte Vettore, has plenty of evidence of the ancient glaciers that covered the entire Park area in the Quaternary era. The numerous dolines, swallow-holes and caves show the extension of the karst phenomena; the gorges such as the magnificent Gole dell'Infernaccio are fascinating to visit.

Wildlife 
Plant life is very diverse, is typically Apennine and is influenced by the characteristics of the landscape. At relatively low elevations (from 500 to 1.000 metres), we see forests with deciduous Oaks. Higher up (at 1000 to 1700 metres), Beech trees are mixed with Yews, Sycamores and Hollyes. Above 1.700 to 1.800 metres, we see vast plains with a flora rich in number of species dominated by the Juniper berry; the most common flowers are the Eugenia violet, the Apennine genepi and the Clusi gentian. On Mount Vettore, is present the rare Apennine edelweiss which is found also on the Gran Sasso, Maiella and Monti Ernici. Other species are the Shrubby cinquefoil, the Martagon lily, the Buckthorn, the Black vanilla orchid and the Rock leek. Despite the serious decline in local fauna, there are still many interesting species in the Park. Bears and Otters are at present locally extinct, however there are still many Foxes, Pine martens, Badgers and other rodents and insectivore. The Roe deer was re-introduced to the Park a few years ago and is in slow expansion. There is also a stable presence of Apennine wolves, while the Wild boar population continues to expand. The Golden eagle nest in various locations, along with Buzzards, Little owls, Sparrow hawks, Goshawks, Kestrels, Tawny owls and a few rare examples of the Golden owl. Rock partridge, Alpine coughs and Coughs, Snowfinch and the rare Dottrel are also present. Reptile includes the Meadow viper (here in its northernmost habitat range) and the Austrian horned snake. There are numerous amphibians including the Spotted salamander, the Spettacled salamander and the Yellow-bellied lizard. In the Lago di Pilato there is the Chirocefalus Marcheoni, a unique crustacean that can only be found in this lake.

History and Culture 
Legends, pagan cults and Christian religious rites are wound together with the indisputable charm and history of these mountains whose name comes from the mythical figure of the sooth-seer, the sibilla Alcyna. The Sibillini isn't just a land of myth. Precious traces of the ancient history of the Piceno peoples remain in the ruins of the defensive structures they constructed, typical to the Apennine culture. Settlements dating back to the high medieval period, with traces of a much earlier civilization, have been found. This, along with the remains of monasteries, characterizes the social and spiritual environment of the region. Norcia, the land of Saint Benedict, is the religious epicentre of these mountains. The main square has important historical art buildings such as the Church of San Benedetto, the Town Hall, the Duomo, and the Castellina. In the nearby plain of Saint Scolastica, the meadows and farmlands cultivated by the Benedictine monks are still in use, irrigated by the groundwater system of Monte Mentosolo. Other important religious centres are: the Abbey of S. Eutizio in Pregi, frequented by hermits who are experts in collecting and using medicinal plants; the small Gothic church with frescos, in the village of Santa Maria di Casalicchio, near the town of Montemonaco; and the Santuary of Macereto. On the Marche side of the Park, the medieval centre of Visso worthwhile visiting, with its Collegiata di S. Maria and the Church of S. Agostino which is now in use as a museum. The Palazzo dei Priori still houses the original manuscript of the poem l'Infinito written by the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Umbria and the Marche are both regions that are rich in traditions and local handicrafts. Their close proximity seems to have influenced the local products. In fact various areas of the two regions share the common arts of iron mongering, ceramics, lace and woodworking. The Marche are also known for products made out of straw and paper (in Fabriano) as well as musical instruments. Umbria, especially Norcia, is known for its salami, its truffles and the famous lentils from Castelluccio di Norcia.

Tourist Information 
•	IAT (Centro Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Sarnano (MC) Tel. 0733/657144 Fax 0733/657343 
•	IAT (Centro Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Macerata Tel. 0733/234807 Fax 0733/266631 
•	IAT (Centro Informazioni Accoglienza Turistica) - Fermo (AP) Tel. 0734/228738 Fax 0734/228325 
•	Servizio Turistico per la Valnerina - Cascia (PG) Tel. 0743/71147 Fax 0743/76630 

POLLINO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Regions: Basilicata, Calabria
Provinces: Cosenza, Matera, Potenza
Size: 171.132 hectares
Institution: L. 11/03/88, n. 67; L. 28/08/89, n. 305; D.M. 31/12/90; D.P.R. 15/11/93; D.P.R. 02/12/97
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale del Pollino - Palazzo Amato - Via Mordini, 20 - 85048 Rotonda (PZ) - Tel. 0973/661692 - Fax 0973/667802
E-mail: ente@parcopollino.it 
Web: www.parcopollino.it 

How to Get There 
By car: highway A3 reaches most Park municipalities, exiting the area between Lauria and Castrovillari; freeways SS 653 and SS 92 allow access to those coming from the Ionic side.
By bus: state railways manage a coach line that joins the various towns to the Massiccio Calabro-Lucano.

In Brief 
Established only a few years ago, Pollino National Park, comprised of 171.132 hectares, is the second largest National Park in Italy. The Park's Authority is committed to promoting the Park and making it accessible to a widespread public. 23 out of 25 structures, shelters, museums, botanic gardens, etc. as well as one nature trail, are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0973/661692	Via Mordini 20, 85048 Rotonda (PZ)	NO	
SELLA DEL TITOLO	Shelter		Bosco Magrizzi, 85030, Castelnuovo S. Andrea (PZ)	YES	
ARMIZZONE	Shelter	338/1843461	Monte Alpi, 85031, Castelsaraceno (PZ)	YES	
BOSCO FAVINO	Shelter		Monte Alpi, 85043, Latronico (PZ)	YES	
BOSCO VACCARIZZO	Shelter		Bosco Vaccarizzo, 85043, Latronico (PZ)	YES	
MONTE COPPOLO	Shelter		Monte Coppolo, 75029, Valsinni (MT)	YES	
BOSCO MAGNANO	Shelter		Bosco Magnano, 85030, S. Severino Lucano (PZ)	YES	
FARNETA	Shelter		Farneta, 85035, Noepoli , (PZ)	YES	
CASERMA	Shelter		Monte Caramola, 85030, S. Severino Lucano (PZ)	YES	
ACQUAFREDDA	Shelter	0973/91241	Acquafredda, 85030, S. Costantino Albanese (PZ)	YES	
LA CATUSA	Shelter		La Catusa, 85030, Terranova di Pollino (PZ)	YES	
PINO LORICATO	Shelter	0973/576418	Madonna del Pollino, 85030, S. Severino Lucano (PZ)	YES	
AQUILA VERDE	Shelter	347/7119708	Casa del Conte, 85030, Terranova di Pollino (PZ)	YES	
SEGHERIA	Shelter		Casa del Conte, 85030, Terranova di Pollino (PZ)	YES	
VISITONE	Shelter	0973/665340	Visitone, 85040, Viggianello (PZ)	YES	
FASANELLI	Shelter		Redarreto, 85048, Rotonda (PZ)	YES	
COLLE RUGGIO	Shelter		Colle Ruggio 85048, Rotonda (PZ)	YES	
DE GASPERI	Shelter	0973/661080	Piano Ruggio, 85040, Viggianello (PZ)	YES	
PIANO DI LANZO	Shelter	0981/63369	Piano di Lanzo, 87010, S. Donato di Nivea (CS)	YES	
COLLE MARCIONE	Shelter	0981/489687	Colle Marcione, 87010, Civita (CS)	YES	
TAPPAIOLO	Shelter		Colle Tappaiolo, 87070, Alessandria del Carretto, (CS)	YES	
ARBERESHE CULTURE MUSEUM	Museum	0973/94367	Via Regina Margherita, 85030, San Paolo Albanese (PZ)	NO	
ROTONDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND PALAEONTOLOGY	Museum	0973/667321	P.zza Paolo Borsellino, 85048, Rotonda (PZ)	YES	
BOTANICAL GARDEN	Botanical Garden		Centro Storico, 87070, Alessandria del Carretto (CS)	YES	
BOTANICAL GARDEN	Botanical Garden		Valle del fiume Argentino, 87020 Orsomarso (CS)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The entire Park area is crossed by numerous trails, which allow easy and interesting walks and hikes. Particularly beautiful itineraries include those leading to the Pollino plains, to the Dolcedorme peaks, to the Grande Porta del Pollino, to the Serra del Crispo, to Serra delle Diavole and to the Ruggio plain. Interesting short walks are the ones to Belvedere di Malavento, to Pollino Madonna and to the Raganello Gorge. The De Gasperi and Ruggio plain lodges are the starting point for a great number of hikes.
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
PATH ALSO FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED	Bosco Magnano	S. Severino Lucano (PZ)	Bosco Magnano	S. Severino Lucano (PZ)	1 h	2000	YES	

Park Outline 
The Pollino National Park is one of the largest ones in Italy and represents probably the biggest achievement of environmentalists in Southern Italy who contrasted the destructive development of a huge ski resort. The idea of establishing a National Park sustainable with the economic development of the region was first studied and proposed in the early 1970's by the World Wildlife Found, on commission of the National Research Council. Initially only two small regional parks were going to be recognized however, on December 1980, the Pollino's perimeter was temporarily fixed. It was officially established with its definite perimeter on November 1993, extended to embrace the South-eastern Monti di Orsomarso district. Pollino National Park is in-between Basilicata and Calabria: its natural borders are the Sinni River valley in the North and the Castrovillari plain in the South. The Pollino mountain range has a specific geology and landscape. East to West, it covers a radius of over 30 km that enclose various truly unique habitats. The Northern (Basilicata) landscapes are smooth, whereas the Calabria lanscapes are characterized by steep, bare surfaces. The highest peaks (Serra Dolcedorme, 2.267 m; Pollino, 2.248 m; Serra delle Ciavole, 2.127 m and Serra del Prete, 2.181 m) are made up of limestone. There are interesting karstic phenomena of erosion. Dolines, swallow-holes and plains are widespread in different locations such as: the Pollino plains, the Ruggio plain and Iannace plain, the 683 m. deep Abisso del Bifurto (683 m deep) and the spectacular caves of Serra del Gufo. At lower elevation, erosion phenomena can be seen at the Raganello stream gully on the Ionic side of the massif. Moraine debris and erratic boulders (enormous rock brought down by glaciers) are evidence of the last ice age and can be found on the Pollino and Acquafredda plains. The whole area is filled with springs, from which many streams and torrents flow, including some of particular importance such as the Frido, Peschiera, Duglia and Raganello. One of Pollino's traits is that it is isolated from surrounding areas. For this reason, many populations - particularly those of Albanian origin and of Orthodox religion, sought refuge and still live in this area. Their first settlements date back to the period from 1470 to 1540 after the invasion of Muslim Turks and the advance of the Ottoman Empire.

Wildlife 
The Park's vegetation is diverse and rich in species. However, the most interesting characteristic is the presence, at high altitude, of the biggest Italian population of the Bosnian pine (Pinus leucodermis), a Balkan Peninsula conifer rarely found in Italy, evidence of the geographical connection of the two peninsulas in past geological eras. Furthermore, on the mountains is present the Apennine biggest forest of the Silver fir. At high elevation there are many extended beech woodlands while at lower elevations Turkey and Downy oaks are dominant together with the Sweet chestnut tree; in more thermophiles areas Holm oaks are dominant. It is obvious that Pollino's greatest heritage is its forests. Some of the typical plants of the Southern Apennines are the Ajuga tenorii and the Linaria purpurea. 
On the Mount Orsomarso although few in numbers Wildboars and Roe deers still survive, the latter are likely the last specimens of the Italian native population. Other mammals are the Apennine wolf, strongly present throughout the region, the Porcupine, the Dormouse and the Forest dormouse, as well as the Otter in limpid rivers. There are various species of rare birds such as the Golden eagle, the Peregrine falcon and the Black woodpecker. The reptiles include the rare Hugy viper and amphibians are rich with protected species such as the Spectacled salamander and the Alpine newt.

History and Culture 
The intricate system of ridged trails through the territory from east to west, and the rich archaeological, historical and anthropological heritage are elements that clearly demonstrate a very ancient human presence in Pollino National Park. Trading, migrations, sheep herding and the presence of different peoples is an evidence of harmonious integration of the different cultures. The oldest archaeological finds are found in Grotta Romito at Papasidero; in the cave, there is a profile of Bos primigenius an ancestor of the bovine drawn almost 12 thousand years ago. Pollino, however, is especially famous as a land of Greek and Roman colonization, Barbarian invasions, Byzantine influence, Norman conquests: the cultural influence of these peoples is still alive today in the habits of local communities and in art forms. Christian Albanian communities, driven away from their original villages by the Turkish, settled in the Pollino region, kept their typical Oriental character with white houses and sacred Byzantine art. They jealously keep their arabesque culture, speak their language and continue demonstrating how it is possible to make fabric from Broom while living in consolidated integration. There are important centres of Byzantine religious structures at Cersosimo, San Paolo Albanese and especially at Lungro, Albanian spiritual centre with Greek cathedral San Nicola di Mira. Ridge settlements are widespread and typical of Pollino's landscape, like Chiaromonte and Morano Calabro that have kept their medieval characteristics. In Morano Calabro there are extremely noteworthy artistic sacred buildings: the Church of Saint Bernardino, 1400, has a beautiful Gothic portal and a Venetian keel ceiling; the churches of San Nicola and San Pietro are also outstanding. The ruins of a Norman manor are sheltered on the hill. The Castle of Castrovillari portrays its Aragonese origins, designed and built with a square plan and angular, cylindrical towers in 1490.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
In towns inside the Park, pottery, ceramic and fabrics are made. Agriculture and sheep farming are of high quality as human impact in the area is scarce. Furthermore culture, tradition and craft of Albanian communities are still alive, specially in the areas of San Costantino Albanese, San Paolo Albanese (Basilicata) and in Farneta (Calabria).

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica Basilicata - Potenza Tel. 0971/411839 Fax 0971/36196 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica - Matera Tel. 0835/331983 Fax 0835/333452 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica - Cosenza Tel. 0984/27485 Fax 0984/27304 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica - Frascineto (CS) Tel./Fax 0981/32710 

STELVIO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Regions: Lombardia, Trentino - Alto Adige
Provinces: Bolzano, Brescia, Sondrio, Trento
Size: 133.325 hectares
Institution: L. 24/04/35, n. 740, D.P.R. 26/09/78, D.P.C.M. 26/11/93
Main Office: Consorzio del Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio - Via Roma, 26 - 23032 Bormio (SO) - Tel. 0342/910100 - Fax 0342/919063
Regional Offices:
Comitato di Gestione per la Regione Lombardia: Via De Simoni, 42 - 23032 Bormio (SO) - Tel. 0342/911448 - Fax 0342/919357
E-mail: stelviolombardia@valtline.it
Comitato di Gestione per la Provincia Autonoma di Trento: Via U. Silvestri, 16 - 38027 Male' (TN) - Tel.0463/903046 - Fax 0463/903047
Comitato di Gestione per la Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano: Piazza Municipio, 1 - 39020 Glorenza (BZ) - Tel. 0473/830430 - Fax 0473/830510
E-mail: info@stelviopark.it 
Web: www.stelviopark.it 

How to Get There 
Lombardia Region:
By car: freeway SS 36 from Milano to Colico following freeway SS 38 for Bormio. Another access route is the freeway SS 42 along Val Camonica until Pontedilegno.
By train: from Milano to Tirano. From here proceed to Bormio, Valfurva, Valdidentro or Livigno with the regional transport lines of Lombardia. From Brescia take the Brescia - Edolo railway and then the bus to Pontedilegno.

Alto Adige Region:
By car: from Bolzano take highway A22 to Passo dello Stelvio with freeway SS 38 along Val Venosta; roads for the Park begin here.
By train: take the train from Bolzano to Merano. From here, bus lines connect the areas.

Trentino Region: 
By car: to Trento with highway A22 until the San Michele exit for Adige-Mezzocorona, follow freeway SS 43 toward Cles and then freeway SS 42 along Valle di Sole, toward Passo del Tonale. From here, roads for Valle di Rabbi and Valle di Peio begin.
By train: from Trento to Male' with the electrical train and then on to the Park valleys with bus lines.

In Brief 
Instituted in 1935, the Stelvio National Park, is one of the five so-called historical parks; it has always been promoting the accessibility of the Park to a widespread public. Out of 20 offices, Park structures, visitor centres, animal areas, etc., 14 are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, in additional to a nature trail. The management staff of the Park has guaranteed an accessible shuttle bus that connects the Ramoni parking lot with the specific information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002). 
Park Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	FULL ADDRESS	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
RABBI VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0463/985190	Loc. Rabbi Fonti, 38020, Rabbi (TN)	YES	
CASA DEL PARCO (LODGING)	Park House	0463/985190	Loc. Rabbi Fonti, 38020 Rabbi (TN)	YES	
PEIO VISITOR CENTRE	Visitor Centre	0463/754186	Via Roma 28, 38024, Cogolo (TN)	YES	
MALE' OFFICE	Area Office	0463/903046	Via Ugo Silvestri 16, 38027, Male' (TN)	YES	
PEIO WILDLIFE AREA	Wildlife Area	347/7708380	Loc. Runcal, 38020, Peio (TN)	YES	
PRADACCI PICNIC AREA	Rest Area		Val del Monte, 38020 Peio (TN)	YES	
"BRAGHJE" VENETIAN CENTER	Visitor Centre	0463/985190	Loc. Rabbi Fonti, 38020 Rabbi (TN)	YES	
TRAFORI NATURE CENTER	Visitor Centre		Trafori, 39020, Stelvio (BZ)	YES	
AQUAPRAD	Visitor Centre		Via Croce, 39026, Prato allo Stelvio (BZ)	YES	
CULTURAMARTELL	Visitor Centre	0473/745027	Centro Sportivo Trattla, 39020, Martello (BZ)	YES	
FRAGGES	Wildlife Area		Masi di Fragges, 39020, Stelvio (BZ)	NO	
"SCIANNO" WILDLIFE CENTER	Wildlife Centre		Via Plomp, 23038, Valdidentro (SO)	YES	
"REZIA" BOTANICAL GARDEN	Botanical Garden	0342/927370	Via Sertorelli, 23032, Bormio (SO)	YES	
BORMIO INFORMATION CENTER	Visitor Centre	0342/901654	Via Roma 26, 23032, Bormio (SO)	YES	
PONTE DI LEGNO INFORMATION CENTER	Visitor Centre	0364/900721	P.le Europa, 25056, Ponte di Legno (BS)	YES	
LOCAL AUTHORITY OFFICE	Local Authority Office	0342/911448	Via De Simoni 42, 23032, Bormio (SO)	NO	
FORMER FUMERO SCHOOLS	Lodging		Fumero, 23035, Sondalo (SO)	NO	
PRAVASIVO SHELTER	Lodging		Pravasivo, 23032, Bormio (SO)	NO	
S. CATERINA SHELTER	Lodging		S. Caterina Valfurva, 23030, Valfurva (SO)	NO	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The extension and beauty of the Park, can be seen driving along the roads of the Ortles-Cevedale and though the Stelvio, Palade, Tonale, and Gavia routes where the natural environment, deep valleys, forests, and rocky cliffs can all be seen. As usual, the best way to see the Park is walking: there are hundreds of accurately marked trails such as those of Val Zebru', Val Martello, and Valle Rabbi. There are numerous rest areas as well. More information is available at the information offices and visitor centres described above. Guided tours are organized for young people and adults. 
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations: 
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
SEGHERIA BÈGOI - RAGAIOLO FALLS	Plan	Rabbi (TN)	Plan	Rabbi (TN)	2 h	3,000	YES	
ZUFRITT TRAIL	Gasthof zum See-Albergo al lago	Martello (BZ)	Staudamm Zufritt-Diga Gioveretto	Martello (BZ)	1h 30 min	2,600	YES	

Park Outline 
The managerial and administrative unit of the Park, created in 1935, has been reorganized, based on the consortium model of the D.P.R. 279 of 1974, with three management committees (one for each of the Park sectors: Alto Adige, Lombardia, and Trentino). The Park was expanded in 1977 to meet the Engadina National Park of Switzerland and becoming one of the vastest protected areas of central-southern Europe including the Ortles-Cevedale peak in the Alps and the Mount Cavallaccio chain reaching the Swiss border between Lombardia and Trentino Alto-Adige. Glaciers had a heavy impact on the formation of the area and cover about a tenth of the Park's area, with more than 100 that are still perennial; the most important is the one located in Forni with an extension of more than 1,300 hectares. The land is rich in streams, and the Park includes two major geological units: metamorphic and sedimentary dolomitic rocks. Isolated masses of igneous rocks can be seen at the union between two previous units.

Wildlife 
Vegetation in the Park is rich and diverse: there are about 1,400 described plant species. Such diversity, aside from climactic and elevation differences (650 meters in Val Venosta to 3.905 meters in Ortles), is due to the diverse mineralogical composition of the land. Approximately 35.000 hectares of land is covered by forest formations. At lower elevation, the broad-leaf forests prevail until replaced by conifer until the altitudinal tree limit. The European larch, Norway spruce and Stone pine forests composes the more characteristic plant community of the Park, unique for their beauty and size. Within this community, smaller quantity of Silver Fir and Scots pine are present; at higher elevations the shurbs of Mugo pine forms a continuous cover. At the tree limit, Rhododendrons and Dwarf bilberries are common. Among the flowers, there are some rare species such as the Edelweiss, the Globeflower, the Black vanilla orchid, the Martagon lily, the Starflower and some endemic species such as the Val Daone primrose, the Vandelli saxifraga, the rare Alpine androsacea, the Alpine clematis and the Glacial ranunculus; probably the species better adapted to high elevation are the Koch and the Clusius gentiana. 
The Park hosts also an elevated number of wild animal species. There are four species of native Ungulates (mammals with hooves), typical of mountain habitat. The Alpine ibex is concentrated on the Lombardia side after 28 animals were reintroduced in the Park between 1967 and 1968 from Switzerland and the Gran Paradiso National Park; currently, the population lies at more than 800 individuals. The Chamois has never been an endangered species, with more than 5,000 distributed evenly across the land between the Peio, Rabbi and Martello valleys. The recolonization of the Italian Alps by the Red deer began in the early 1900's across the Val Venosta and the Engadina border; the protection efforts initiated by the Park were fundamental to increase populations. The Red deer makes notable seasonal migrations, reducing its presence in the Park during the winter months (about 3,500 specimens) compared to summer months (about 5,000). The Roe deer, which typically inhabits the wooded areas were grasses are abundant, is uniformly distributed throughout the Park in numbers varying in relation to the presence of the Red deer and environmental characteristics of the different areas. There are numerous easily observable Marmots, but specific alpine species such as the Mountain hare, Snow vole and Alpine shrew are much more difficult to spot. The Mustelid family is also present with the Ermine and the Pine marten. Bird species include the Golden eagle (symbol of the Park, present throughout the Park), the Ptarmigan, the Rooster, the Rock partridge and the Hazel grouse. The forests are inhabited by the Black woodpecker, the Great spotted woodpecker, the Green woodpecker, the Three-toed woodpecker and the rare Grey-headed woodpecker. At night, especially during the second half of the winter, the Eagle owl can be heard. Along the streams, the Dipper can be found, while the Ring ouzels, Wheater, the Alpine accentor, the Snowfinch and the Black redstart are typical of the mountain environment. The Raven and Alpine chough can be easily observed while is rare to sight the Nuthatch. Cold-water fish include the Salmerino, a relict species of Nordic origin, and the Brown trout. Amphibian includes the Alpine newt up to 2,500 meters in Alpine ponds. At even higher elevations, the Black and Alpine salamander can be seen. A species of Italian viper known as the Marasso is present in the Park, but large carnivores such as the Wolf, Lynx and Bear disappeared long ago. Over the last two decades, they have begun to naturally reappear throughout the Italian Alps. Occasional Lynx sightings have occurred on the outside limits of the Park. Thanks to an international project to reintroduce them in the Alps, the Bearded vulture have once again found their home in the wild of the Park and can begin to reproduce naturally in the Alps.

History and Culture 
The green valleys and dense woodlands of the Stelvio possibly conserve the most precious testimony to the presence of refined prehistoric communities. Around the northern border of the Park in Val Camonica (protected by UNESCO since being declared Patrimony of humankind), an exceptional area hosts splendid rock formations dating back from 4000 to 1000 B.C. The most prominent architectural achievement of the area, date back to the medieval period with the Fraele towers near Bormio, which were control fortresses overlooking the roads connecting the Padan plains to central Europe the Coira Castle in Sluderno, the churches of S. Benedetto in Malles, the church of S. Giovanni in Tubre, the crypt of the Abbey of Monte Maria and the ruins of Morter Castle at the start of the Val Martello. The numerous examples of rural architecture are of medieval origin such as the stone and wooden house constructions and farming structures (corresponding to a precise economic and juridical structure still standing today). Examples that are more significant are located in Val Trafoi, Val Venosta, Val Martello and Val d'Ultimo. On the Lombardia side, forts dating back to the first world war are of significant interest. Some of these have been restored.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
Artisan activities are broad and varied throughout the Park. Woodworking is characteristic of the Alpine areas and is particularly flourishing in the Alto Adige where artisan experts produce true works of art and furnishings. There is plenty of room to choose among the various food products: the delicacies of Valtellina, famous are the pizzoccheri; Speck and Strudel are popular in the Alto Adige; Valtellina is famous for its sliced meat known as bresaola. Polenta with mushrooms and game can be enjoyed across the entire Park's territory.

Tourist Information 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica Valtellina - Bormio (SO) Tel. 0342/903300 Fax 0342/904696 
•	Informazioni Assistenza Turistica - Pontedilegno (BS) Tel. 0364/91122 Fax 0364/91949 
•	Azienda di Promozione Turistica Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi - Male' (TN) Tel. 0463/901280 Fax 0463/901563 
•	Associazione Turistica Val Venosta - Silandro (BZ) Tel. 0473/620480 Fax 0473/620481 

VAL GRANDE NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Piemonte
Province: Verbano - Cusio - Ossola
Size: 11.340 hectares
Institution: L. 06/12/91, n. 394; D.M. 02/03/92; D.P.R. 23/11/93; D.P.R. 24/06/98; D.P.R. 18/05/01
Legal office: Ente Parco Nazionale della Val Grande - c/o Comune - 28822 Cossogno (VB)
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale della Val Grande - Via S. Remigio, 19 - 28922 Verbania Pallanza (VB) - Tel. 0323/557960 - Fax 0323/556397
E-mail: pvgrande@tin.it 
Web: www.parcovalgrande.it 

How to Get There 
By car: from Milano with the highway A 8 and from Torino or Genova with highway A 26 to Gravellona Toce then with freeway SS 33, going towards Domodossola, or with freeway SS 34 towards Verbania and Locarno.
By train: the nearest train stations, leaving from Milano or Torino, are Domodossola or Verbania-Pallanza. The Centovalli railway connects Domodossola to Locarno with stops in Trontano and Malesco.
By bus: from Verbania with the ASPAM bus line to Rovegro.

In Brief 
Established by L. n. 394/91, the Val Grande National Park has only been in function for a few years. It protects an area, which can be called the last Italian Wilderness. The Park Agency, in consideration of the particular characteristics of the area, has carried out intense promotion and has expanded the Park's accessibility. All 7 facilities, including park headquarters, visitor centres, local offices, study centres, museums etc. can be used by visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities. More detailed information is available in the following report (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Table about the uses of the park
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Main Office	0323/557960	Via S. Remigio 19, 28922, Verbania (VB)	YES	
"LA FORESTA E L'UOMO"	Visitor Centre	0323/468258	Rovegro V. al Cimitero 1, 28804, S. Bernardino Verbano (VB)	YES	
"LE ROCCE RACCONTANO"	Visitor Centre		Premosello V. 29 Agosto, 28803, Premosello Chiovenda (VB)	YES	
"ANIMALI NELLA NOTTE"	Visitor Centre		Via Roma, 28816, Intranga (VB)	YES	
ACQUAMONDO	Environmental Educational Centre		Via Umberto I, 28801, Cossogno(VB)	YES	
PARK MUSEUM	Archaeological and Naturalistic Museum		Via del Sotto 2, 28854, Malesco (VB)	YES	
INFORMATION BOOTH	Information Centre		P.za Sostine, 28854, Malesco (VB)	YES	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The Park Agency has carried out intense programming and planning of the Park area and it has created many marked trails, which are easily accessible and with no specific difficulties. There is no need to be an expert trekker; all that is needed is appropriate gear and enthusiasm. Along the trails, there are illustrative panels with pictures and a brief explanatory text to describe the surrounding environment. Informative guidebooks of the trails are available at the Park Agency and at the Park facilities. The following is a list of the trails:
"All'ombra degli abeti" Cappella Porta - Pian Cavallone (Caprezzo) (theme: the coniferous forest).
"L'uomo-albero" Ompio - Monte Faiè (S. Bernardino Verbano) (theme: the beech woods).
"La civilta' della fatica" Cicogna - Alpe Pra' e Leciuri (Cossogno) (theme: relationship man and the environment).
"Una storia d'acqua" Cicogna - Pogallo (Cossogno) (theme: water and deforestation).
"Vivere in salita" Premosello Chiovenda - Colloro (Premosello Ch.) (theme: the farming civilisation).
"Il respiro della storia" Vogogna-La Rocca (Vogogna) (theme: the Middle Ages and the history of Vogogna).
"Storie di pietra" Beura - Bisoggio (Beura Cardezza) (theme: the uses of stone).
"Lungo il filo di una traccia" Trontano - Faievo (Trontano) (theme: animal tracks).
"Incontro al parco" Buttogno - Valle del Basso (S. Maria M aggiore) (theme: flora, fauna and geology).
"Area-natura" della bassa Val Grande Cossogno (in progress).

Park Outline 
Of the three great categories into which rocks are divided, magmatic, sedimentary, metamorphic, only the latter rock is present in the Val Grande area. The varieties of this type of rock have contributed to a diversified and complex geo-morphological evolution. Pre-glacial morphology is especially evident in the gullies, which characterize the majority of the streams and rivers. Various glaciations of the Quaternary period have sculpted the hills at a lower altitude, while morainic and flood deposits have created terraces, later occupied by villages and alpeggi. The presence of rocks belonging to a deeper portion of the continental crust - which here has the greatest presence in the Alps - is of particular interest. The Val Grande National Park, which is very close to Lake Maggiore, is one of the most significant wilderness areas in Italy. It is a unique valley where silence and nature reign. A sanctuary to the environment, which should be visited with the greatest respect, Val Grande, however, is also rich in history. There is a long history of mountain civilization narrated by the people of the surrounding villages in the area between Ossola, Verbano, Val Vigezzo, la Valle Intrasca and Cannobina. Even the visitor who is satisfied with remaining on the threshold of such a natural area and who stops in one of the surrounding towns will have the possibility of feeling the sensation of wilderness. The harsh and rocky mountains, which surround the area, have always protected the integrity of its environment. In 1967, the area of Pedum was made an totally protected zone, the first in the Italian Alps. The significant force for the creation of a National Park came about in the mid-eighties, due to intervention by the Local Agencies, the Region of Piemonte and the Ministry of the Environment. With L. n. 394 of 1991, it was given official status in 1993 to provide to the need of protection for a small and little known area of wilderness which in the past had been influenced by human presence but which reverted to nature after the abandoning of the mountains' human activities. It is located about one hour from Milan and about an hour and a half from Torino. The Park is a very beautiful semi-natural area and it has great potential for eco-tourism.

Wildlife 
The prevailing vegetation is dense Beech forest located on sharp slopes giving the Park its typical wild and uncontaminated appearance. Above the Beech forests, there are some rare Norway firs while lower down, we find Sweet chestnut trees and Oaks with many Large leaved lime, Whitebeam and Hazel trees. In the herb layer, we find Snow woodrush, Wood, Goatsbeard, Christening gown, Rattle snake root and other plants. There are also present the Green alder, the Mountain cranberry and the Rhododendron which we find up to the tree limit of the trees. 
There are also many mammals, particularly Ungulates. The Park has Chamois, Roe deers and some Red deers. There are also many Foxes, especially at the lower elevation; Badgers, Pine martens, Steenmartens, Hedgehogs, Dormice and Red squirrels are also present. There are also many tiny mammals in the Park area including the Wood mouse, the Vole and the Shrew which are an important link in the forest food chain. There is also a great deal of bird life because the Park includes mountain and alpine birds. These include the Dipper and the regal Golden eagle. The Brown trout also finds its ideal habitat in the clear and pristine waters. There are also amphibians including the Common frog and the Salamander. Among the reptiles, the dangerous Asp viper is also present. In the insect category, the rare butterfly Parnassius Apollo is notable for its presence.

History and Culture 
The cultural evidence of man's activity within the Val Grande National Park consists especially in the presence of facilities for the use of mountain resources. In the Park there are numerous mountain dwellings, named alpeggi, which are typical of the Alpine area. These are seasonal villages and the most interesting are: Pogallo, Velina and Alpe Pra'. These are set out in a simple way with a few small stone houses built traditionally and very attractive. 
The area was originally inhabitated by shepherds practicing pastoral activities and migratory herding (named transumanza) since ancient times as it is shown from a curious rock formation, comprised of small semi-circular cavities connected by canals; this rock is located in Alpe Pra' and it is believed to have been a sacrificial altar or a Neolithic representation of celestial constellations. There are two villages inside the Park area: Cicogna and Vogogna. Cicogna began as a group of mountain alpeggi and later developed due to agriculture and transporting of timber, neverthless it has maintained its lay out and is an interesting example of rural architecture. Vogogna, instead is a medieval hamlet and includes the Rocca, the Castello, the Palazzo Pretorio and the great Celtic mask of Dresio and a Roman tombstone and certainly worth visiting. Just outside the Park, in the town of Cossogno, there is an interesting oil mill used in ancient times to make nut oil. The Sanctuary of the Madonna in Oca from the XVII century is just outside the village.
The quarry for pink marble is also of historic interest. This was where the pink marble for the Milano Dome came from. 
Between 1916 and 1918, during the WWI, the fear of an Austrian-German invasion passing through neutral Switzerland was feared. This led the army General Luigi Cadorna, to set out the so-called Linea Cadorna; this is a strategic defence line, which runs along the southern border of Canton Ticino; it includes: roads, trenches, walkways, tunnels, ammunition depots, patrol posts and artillery stations; today, it is interesting to visit this imposing defence structure that fortunately, was never the scene of battle.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
The area of the National Park is almost completely uninhabited so no significant crafts or local products are produced.

Tourist Information 
•	Agenzia di Accoglienza e di Promozione Turistica locale - Novara Tel. 0321/394059 Fax 0321/631063 
•	Agenzia di Accoglienza e di Promozione Turistica del Lago d'Orta e del Lago Maggiore - Verbania Pallanza (VB) Tel./Fax 0323/557676 

VESUVIO NATIONAL PARK

Basic Information 
Description: National Park
Region: Campania
Province: Napoli
Size: 7.259 hectares
Institution: L. 06/12/91, n. 394; DD.MM. 04/12/92-04/11/93-22/11/94; D.P.R. 05/06/95
Main office: Ente Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio - Piazza Municipio, 8 - 80040 S. Sebastiano al Vesuvio (NA) - Tel. 081/7710911 - Fax 081/7718215
E-mail: protocollo@vesuviopark.it 
Web: www.vesuviopark.it 

How to Get There 
By car: highway A3 westbound, exit Ercolano or Torre del Greco. Freeway SS 268 leads to the eastern and northern sides, which can also be reached through highway A16.
By train: from Napoli, take the Circumvesuviana rail.
By bus: take the Ercolano-Stazione Vesuvio line. ATAN city lines connect the city with some Vesuvian centres.

In Brief 
Instituted by L. n. 394/91, the Vesuvio National Park features info-points, faunal areas, museums, etc. (17 overall); four are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations such as elderly people, children and people with disabilities, another two nature trails, are in progress. More detailed information is available in the following report and in the Itineraries section (Park Authority Data, 2002).
Park Access Information Table
NAME OF STRUCTURE	DESCRIPTION	TELEPHONE	ADDRESS/LOCATION	ACCESSIBILITY/LIMITED ACCESS (ART. 2 DM LL.PP. N. 236/89)	
PARK AUTHORITY	Head Office	081/7710911	Piazza del Municipio 8, 80040, San Sebastiano al Vesuvio (NA)	NO	
PARK AUTHORITY LEGAL OFFICE (IN PREPARATION)	Legal Office		Via Palazzo del Principe 1 presso il Castello Mediceo, 80044, Ottaviano (NA)	YES	
ERCOLANO INFO POINT	Information Centre		Via Osservatorio 9, 80056, Ercolano (NA)	NO	
TRECASE INFO POINT	Information Centre		Via Panoramica, 80040, Trecase (NA)	NO	
OTTAVIANO INFO POINT	Information Centre		Via Palazzo del Principe 2, 80044 Ottaviano (NA)	NO	
FLIGHT TUNNEL	Reabilitation Centre for Injured Birds	081/7710911	Via Cifelli presso Stazione Comando Forestale di Trecase, 80040, Trecase (NA)	NO	
TORTOISE WILDLIFE AREA	Tortoise wildlife area	081/7710911	Strada Matrone presso Stazione Comando Forestale di Trecase , 80040, Trecase (NA)	NO	
NATIONAL ANTIQUARIUM	Museum	081/5368796	Via Settembrini 15, 80041, Boscoreale (NA)	YES	
EMBLEMA MUSEUM	Museum		Via Campitello località Piana Tonda, 80040, Terzigno (NA)	YES	
COUNTRY CIVILIZATION MUSEUM	Museum	081/5318496	Via Santa Maria del Pozzo, 80049, Somma Vesuviana (NA)	YES	
CORAL MUSEUM	Museum	081/8811360	Piazza Palomba 6, 80059, Torre del Greco (NA)	NO	
VESUVIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY	Museum	081/7777149	Via dell'Osservatorio, 80056, Ercolano (NA)	NO	
OTTAVIANO FOREST STATION HEADQUARTERS	Local Authority Office	081/8279460	Piazza Mercato 2, 80044, Ottaviano (NA)	NO	
TORRE DEL GRECO FOREST STATION HEADQUARTERS	Local Authority Office	081/8812097	Via Etna 49, 80059, Torre del Greco (NA)	NO	
TRECASE FOREST BARRACKS	Local Authority Office	081/5372391	Via Cifelli, 80040, Trecase (NA)	NO	
ENVIRONMENT AND TERRITORY COORDINATING OFFICE	Local Authority Office	081/7710924	Piazza del Municipio 8, 80040 San Sebastiano al Vesuvio (NA)	NO	
CAMPANIA VOLCANO ALPINE GUIDES	Local Authority Office	081/7775720	Piazzale di Quota 1000, 80056, Ercolano (NA)	NO	
Accessibilitymeans the possibility, for people with mobility limitations, to reach the building and all its units and environments, to easily gain access to it and enjoy its areas in conditions of adequate security and autonomy. Limited accessibility means the possibility, even by people with limited mobility, to access relational areas and at least one bathroom in each unit. Relational spaces include the living room or dining room of the accommodation, and places of work, service, and meeting in which the citizen comes in contact with the service taken out therein. Please contact Park Authority for more information about the accessibility of facilities and services offered by the park.

Itineraries 
The crater of the Vesuvius can almost be reached by car: this does not take away from the fact that there are many tracks for hikers to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Some itineraries go through the Natural Tirone Reserve-Alto Vesuvio, which, however, is not open to the public (in order to visit the Reserve, a permit from the Caserta forestry department is needed). There are some organizations that might be useful in undertaking a visit to the volcano such as the Naples CAI (hiking club); the San Giorgio a Cremano tour guides group named Quaderni Vesuviani and the Alpine Guides of Campania in Herculaneum. Sights of lava flows from different years: 1872, 1831, and 1794, can be seen passing from the Naples-Salerno freeway and between Portici and Torre Annunziata; the lavas of 1944 and 1958 can be seen from the Herculaneum-Vesuvius road. 
The following paths and/or nature walks are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations: 
Park Itinerary Table
NAME OF TRAIL	STARTING POINT	TOWN	DESTINATION	TOWN	AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE TRAIL	LENGTH OF TRAIL IN METERS	REGULAR MAINTENANCE (YES/NO)	
TRAIL N. 13 "TERZIGNO PINE FOREST"	Pine forest at 186 m. above the sea level	Terzigno (NA)	Pine forest at 186 m. above the sea level	Terzigno (NA)	2 h round trip	1600	YES	
TRAIL N. 14 "VIA TRAVERSA"	Panoramic Road at 678 m above sea level	Ercolano (NA)	Panoramic Road at 678 m above sea level	Ercolano (NA)	1 h round trip	3200	YES	

Park Outline 
The Vesuvio National Park was instituted in 1995 and is unfortunately situated in an area widely compromised by invasive and illegally constructed roads and building in the towns that surround Vesuvius. The Park will allow improved protection of the volcano and the land around it, in accordance with environmental recovery policies and the positive development of ecotourism. The National Park protects the worldwide famous volcano and the immediate surroundings of Naples and Sorrento. Of the active volcanoes in Europe, Vesuvius is the only one not located on an Island; it has erupted many times over the past centuries but a few of the eruptions are historical. The most famous of all occurred in 79 A.D. and destroyed Herculaneum and Pompeii. A second notorious eruption in 1631 lasted for several days and claimed the lives of 4,000 people and 6,000 animals. Despite its danger, the surroundings of Vesuvius have always been densely inhabited, given that the ash makes particularly fertile the land. The last eruption in 1944 resulted in a change in the crater with the elliptic basin more than 200 meters deep. It seems that its present double peaked aspect goes back to 79 A.D.

Wildlife 
Eruptions of the volcano have from time to time destroyed vegetation on the mountain. However, with each cooling of the land there has been a corresponding attempt for plant life to recolonize. Forest vegetation is scarce, yet there are conifer reforestations and fragments of Mediterranean maquis. Surprising little spots of Silver birch trees represent a botanical particularity in the Valle del Gigante on the Atrio del Cavallo and San Anastasia. On the Monte Somma Neapolitan maples and Downy oaks are present. On the oldest lava substrata are present populations of different species of Broom. The Tirone Alto-Vesuvio Natural Reserve was instituted in 1972 and stretches across the entire crater to protect Maritime and Aleppo's pines plantations that now are succeeded by Holm oak, a tree adapted to the climate. Animal life is not extremely varied. There are many small mammals on Mt. Somma such as the Hazel dormouse, the Dormouse and the Garden dormouse. Foxes, Weasels, and Steenmartens make up the predator group. The Somma peak is along a migratory route from Africa toward reproductive areas of Europe, consequently many species of bird such as the Buzzard, the Cuckoo, the Nightjar and the Golden oriole; non migratory birds are the Barn owl and a colony of Ravens on the peak of Vesuvius.

History and Culture 
The area of the Vesuvius National Park is limited to the volcanic cone, but the influence of volcanic activity throughout history and its deeply rooted image make it almost impossible to separate Vesuvius from the significant cultural sites around it beginning with the archaeological ones such as the UNESCO patrimony, that of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the lesser known areas of Oplonti in Torre Annunziata. Inside the Park, the Vesuvius observatory is well worth visiting. It was built in 1848 by Ferdinando II and was recently restored to include a Museum and library. Unfortunately, construction over much of the volcanic area and surroundings have destroyed the traditional image of the fertile rural landscape spoken of by travellers and residents for decades. However, the splendour of the enchanting views remains intact between Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.
Outside the Park, in the Vesuvian area, there is the majestic Reggia di Portici build in the XIII century by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli on commission of Carlo di Borbone (at present is the University Agricultural faculty building) . Historically neapolitan nobles built splendid villas along the main road towards the court called the Golden Mile; when the court moved, the villas were abandoned and damaged, losing much of their splendid garden space and giving way to modern urbanization. Some of these villas have since been restored, such as the Villa Campolieto.

Typical Products and Craftwork 
The Naples area is famous for the crafting of nativity scenes using wire, string, silk, etc. The jewellers district of Naples is also famous, recalling the days of Spanish goldsmiths that emigrated in the 1600s. Coral is also crafted in Naples in a tradition dating back to the Roman era (the British museum houses the statue of Giove Serapide sculpted here, the oldest coral piece of sculpted art in the world).

Tourist Information 
•	Ente Provinciale per il Turismo - Napoli Tel. 081/4107211 Fax 081/401961 
•	Azienda Autonoma di Cura, Soggiorno e Turismo - Napoli Tel. 081/2525711 Fax 081/418619