There Basilicataa region rich in history and traditions, preserves among its treasures the Gallipoli Cognato Regional Park Small Lucanian Dolomites. This protected area, located between the municipalities of Acceptance, They kick And Lucanian olive groveoffers nature lovers a scenario of extraordinary beauty, where flora and fauna thrive undisturbed.
Immersed in the wonders of Gallipoli Cognato Park, visitors find themselves in front of a natural sanctuary where every step echoes among the branches of centuries-old trees and the undergrowth full of life. This green lung of southern Italy, located in Basilicata, extends for twenty-seven thousand hectares and represents an opportunity to connect with nature in an authentic and profound way. Here, the hiker can follow the paths that wind through the forest ecosystem, inhabited by animal species such as the red woodpecker, the goshawk and even the Apennine wolf, in an environment where pure air and earthy aromas are a balm for the soul.
The spectacle of the park, revealed from panoramic points such as the Belvedere of Gallipari, offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley, while the streams accompany the visitors’ journey with their soft song. For those looking for an educational path, there is no shortage of areas equipped with botanical paths where you can learn to recognize the different tree species, or picnic areas where you can share a moment of relaxation with friends and family in the shade of the chestnut trees. The natural wonders of this uncontaminated corner are combined with the mild climate, which makes the walk a pleasant experience in every season of the year.
Along the routes you come across historical vestiges, such as the ancient ruins of farms, silent witnesses of the agro-pastoral traditions of the past. The trekker can make a stop in the small and charming village of Castelmezzanocounted among the most beautiful villages in Italy, where the rocky coasts of Lucanian Dolomites they form the backdrop to an evocative medieval setting. Here it is possible to experience history by walking through corners characterized by stony stairways, houses set in the rock and small votive churches that tell of an ancient community fabric rich in traditions.
You have the opportunity to discover the unique flavors of Basilicata cuisine, such as “brans”, or sun-dried peppers, or the incomparable “bread of Matera”. The geographical position of the forest, among the mountains ofLucanian Apennines and the generally mild climate, makes this ecosystem a fundamental piece of regional biodiversity and a place where every visitor can rediscover the natural rhythm of seasonal cycles, of the dawn breaking among the treetops and the sunset immersing the valley in shades golden.
