The Alta Murgia National Park has been declared a UNESCO Geopark, recognising its extraordinary geological, natural and cultural heritage.
The Alta Murgia National Park has been officially declared a UNESCO Geopark, becoming the 12th Italian Geopark, joining other protected areas of great value in Italy. The official announcement was made by the president of the nature authority, Francesco Tarantini, who emphasised that this recognition represents an important step forward for the valorisation and promotion of a unique territory.
This prestigious recognition enshrines the global importance of the area, celebrating its geological, natural and cultural heritage of inestimable value. In addition to its incredible geological variety, which includes rock formations dating back millions of years, the Park is a mosaic of biodiversity. It is home to numerous animal and plant species, some of which are rare or endemic, thus contributing to the conservation of biodiversity at a European level.
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History and characteristics of the Alta Murgia National Park
The Alta Murgia National Park, established in 2004, covers a vast limestone plateau of about 68,000 hectares, embracing the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani. The park territory is characterised by a unique morphology, with sedimentary rocks formed about 100 million years ago in the Cretaceous period. These rocks have created a karstic landscape, where there are doline, ravines, and caves, as well as castles and famous residences such as Castel del Monte, one of the most famous castles in southern Italy and a World Heritage Site.
The history of the Alta Murgia is strongly linked to agriculture and pastoralism. Traditional fortified farms and the remains of farmers' houses testify to the ancient bond between man and this rugged territory. These rural buildings, often surrounded by extensive cultivated or grazing land, represent the resilience of local communities in living in a sometimes impervious environment.
In addition to its geological significance, the Alta Murgia boasts an extraordinary biodiversity. Indeed, the park is the natural habitat of numerous species of wildlife, including the fox, the wild cat and several species of birds of prey such as the cricket falcon, the park's symbol. The flora is also rich and varied, with a predominance of oak forests, wheat fields and vast meadows where herbs and rare plants grow. This unique ecosystem contributes to making the Alta Murgia National Park not only a paradise for naturalists but also an ideal place for trekking and wildlife observation, even if you are in Apulia in a neighbouring town or village and include it in an ad hoc itinerary for an outing.
The heritage of the Alta Murgia Park: past, present and future
The Alta Murgia is also renowned for the Dinosaur Quarry in Altamura, where around 30,000 dinosaur footprints were discovered in 1999, making it the richest deposit in the world. In addition to the faunal remains dating between 500,000 and 400,000 years ago, these discoveries make the Alta Murgia a reference point for archaeological and palaeontological research.
The inclusion of the Park in the UNESCO Geoparks network represents a great achievement, achieved thanks to the cooperation of local communities, institutions and associations. This recognition not only enhances the park's natural heritage but also strengthens the territory's commitment to promoting sustainable development, in harmony with environmental protection.
With its accession to UNESCO, the Alta Murgia becomes a place of international importance, opening up new opportunities for tourism, scientific research and the conservation of its extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, as it was for another Italian geopark, the Beigua mountain park.
What to discover in and around the Alta Murgia UNESCO Geopark
The Alta Murgia UNESCO Geopark offers a journey through breathtaking natural landscapes, archaeological sites and unique historical testimonies. One of the main attractions is undoubtedly, as mentioned above, Castel del Monte, one of Italy's most important medieval fortifications and a UNESCO heritage site, famous for its octagonal shape and mysterious symbolism. Nature lovers can explore the spectacular Gravine, natural canyons rich in biodiversity, such as the Gravina di Laterza or the Gravina di Matera.
For prehistoric enthusiasts, the Lamalunga cave in Altamura holds the exceptional discovery of the Altamura Man, a perfectly preserved Neanderthal skeleton, while the nearby dinosaur footprint site in Altamura, as already mentioned, offers an incredible window into the past, with thousands of fossilised footprints.
Around the park, the charming medieval villages of Ruvo di Puglia and Gravina in Puglia are worth a visit, with their historical centres rich in tradition, rock churches and fascinating museums. Finally, for those seeking a relaxing break, the surrounding area offers historical masserie and farms immersed in the countryside, ideal for savouring Apulian cuisine and enjoying the breathtaking panorama of the Alta Murgia.
An international recognition
The recognition of the Alta Murgia as a UNESCO Geopark not only enhances the geological and naturalistic value of this extraordinary territory but also places it in an international network of unique and protected places. This prestigious title will help promote the park as a sustainable tourism destination, attracting visitors who are passionate about nature, history and archaeology.
Discovering the Alta Murgia means exploring a corner of the world where geology, archaeology and tradition intertwine, offering unique and unforgettable experiences. Visit the Alta Murgia Geopark and be fascinated by its natural and historical wonders, discovering all that this UNESCO site has to offer.
