Nature of Italy - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Italy is rightly called one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The contrast of the snow-white Alps, the orange groves of Sicily and the vineyards of Tuscany fully shows the unusual nature of the sunny country. In the southern part of the country there is the Apennine peninsula. The northern part is occupied by the Italian Alps stretched out in the form of an arc, and between them passes the Padanian plain. Most of the country is located in the subtropical belt and such an arrangement allows one to explain the diversity of the fauna, flora and climate of Italy. The terrain thrives in mountains, but there is no space for long and deep rivers. However in the Alps, there are several lakes formed due to glaciers.

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Italian Alps can be conditionally divided into 3 zones. At the very bottom is a broad-leaved forest belt, consisting mainly of cork oaks, European olives, chestnuts, ash trees and cypresses. Beech forests grow after them, turning into coniferous. There is a large number of larch and fir. In the middle zone after the border of the forest, shrub plants predominate. For example, alder, juniper or rhododendrons, wild flowers, sedge and meadows covered with grass. At the highest point snow-capped, no trees, shrubs or flowers are found, and a large amount of moss and lichen cover the ground.

The National Park, Gran Paradiso is located in a mountainous area near the peak of the same name. It stretches out on a vast territory of 700 square kilometers and fully justifies its name. The nature of the park is truly unique. The young mountain systems are interrupted by a huge number of glacial valleys and slopes with a dense thicket of coniferous forests which in turn, passes into vast alpine meadows with raised stone heathlands and glaciers above them. Gran Paradiso is a place where you can observe the chamois, mountain goats, ermines and eagles in their natural habitat. The whole year the park is open for visits. In summer, travelers prefer mountain trails, and in winter they go to the forests. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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Unlike the Gran Paradiso, located near Liguria, the Cinque Terri National Park is famous not only for its unique nature, but also for its cultural heritage of historical significance. Cinque Terri is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It contains numerous bays, small beaches, small islands and medieval towns with unique walls. They protect the terraces with vineyards, descending to the cliff on the shore and are a dwelling for animals and birds. The coast, covered with rocks, is well adapted for nesting birds. The water abounds with a variety of fish, which creates an excellent observation point, allowing you to see birds in their natural habitat.

Italy's marine national park occupies a vast territory of the Tuscan archipelago. It covers both the earth's surface and part of the sea’s surface. The archipelago includes seven large and a huge number of small islands, each of which is unique. They are united only by incredible beauty of nature. The diversity of the natural ecosystem, inhabited by all kinds of living organisms, has made the park one of the most famous of its kind. At the bottom of the sea, in addition to densely growing algae, there are red corals rare for our days, several species of dolphins and sponges, as well as the endangered species of sea turtles.

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Vesuvius National Park located east of Naples, is a zone of enormous significance both historically and geologically. Throughout the park, research work is still ongoing. The park, named after one of Europe's most famous and active volcanoes, became a haven for six hundred and ten species of plants, with forty percent of them originating from the Mediterranean. More than a hundred species of birds live in the green zone, the number of which increases during the migratory season. Above the blooming fields flutter large, bright colored butterflies, thereby betraying the special charm of the park. A funicular and a trail for backpackers are laid to the crater of Vesuvius.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Italy

Reference information

Map of all parks

National and city parks of Italy
♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale dei Monti Sibillini' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Circeo' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Gargano' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Gran Paradiso' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Pollino' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Vesuvio' . On the map Show on the map

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Famous places and sights of Italy

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

From the series “The Most Elegant Buildings of Baroque Architecture”

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the sightseeing of the world meaning. It is one of the main Basilicas in Rome that was built in 352 year. The legend says that Pope Liberius saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in his dream. She ordered him to build a marvellous church where on the next day the earth will be covered with snow. Notwithstanding that fact that it was August, the pope built the church on the very spot which was covered with snow.

Later the church has been changing its façade and inner decorations. In 1377 there has appeared a new 75 meters high bell tower, today it is the highest in Rome. Nevertheless the numerous rebuilding, some elements of the original interior were saved. Visitors can see there wonderful 14th-century mosaics and in the leading nave have saved 5th-century … Read all

Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco

From the series “The Most Elegant Buildings of Baroque Architecture”

Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco is one of the most beautiful sightseeing in Cecilia. It was constructed for the Arezzo family in the medieval times. However, the today’s look the building took from the late 18th century. The palace is built in the Sicilian Baroque style following its purchase by Baron Guglielmo Beneventano.

Originally in the medieval times there was a local government. At the end of the 18th century, it was rebuilt in a residential house. This period was crucial for the palace because right at that time it got its unique Baroque features. As hundred years ago, the façade of the building is decorated with columns and sculptures compositions. They are made in the original style that looks great thanks to the play of light and shadow and remoulds the shape of the palace. … Read all

All unique sightseeing Italy

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Cultural sights in regions of Italy

Rome

Square of Spain is an excellent place for walking. You can hear many interesting superstitions and legends connected with this attraction. Locals believe that if you visit the square in the evening, you get a chance to meet a ghost of Lorenza Felichini – a beloved person of the famous magician Cagliostro. However, the opportunity to see a ghost along the way does not stop numerous tourists who love to relax on the square and enjoy the silent atmosphere of evenings. In addition to the … Read more

Alghero

Proceed to the old chapel that is situated not far from the cathedral. Several years ago, Museo Diocesano opened in this building. The chapel was abandoned and was slowly deteriorating for many years until it was decided to turn it into an interesting museum after a thorough restoration. Vintage silver items with corals are the centerpieces of the museum’s collection. They were made by local masters. The chapel is also an important historic attraction that still has many elements of the … Read more

Florence

House of Dante is surely a vibrant cultural attraction of the city. A beautiful old mansion - the birthplace of the world-renowned poet – has been turned into a museum. Modern Art Gallery, which exhibits a collection of works by Italian artists of the Renaissance, can simply not be ignored. The gallery often hosts exhibitions by young artists. In the famous Palatine Gallery you can see priceless works of Botticelli, Van Dyck, Caravaggio and Rubens. The gallery is opened in the beautiful Pitti … Read more

Milan

Church of St. Lorenzo is a truly striking religious attraction. Every year the church is visited by thousands of pilgrims. One of the greatest artists - Michelangelo – worked over painting and decorating the walls of the church. Church of St. Lorenzo has the full right to be considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The main relic of the cathedral, which is the object of worship of pilgrims, is a vessel with the blood of St. Lorenzo. Only one time a year the priceless relic … Read more

Venice

The main channel of Venice is named Grande. Its length estimates 3.8 km. The majority of houses along the canal were constructed over three hundred years ago. The Venice lagoon is the location of picturesque islands, each of which is home to numerous sightseeing sites. Thus, in the 10th century the Murano Island was home to famous glass blowers. Nowadays the visitors of the island can purchase interesting crafts and home decorations made of this Venetian glass from local craftsmen. The Torcello … Read more

Agrigento

Besides the legendary antique attractions, pay your attention to landmarks of the medieval period. Cattedrale di San Gerlando remains the main religious symbol of Agrigento. This gorgeous cathedral dates back to the 11th century. The church suffered much damage in the mid-13th century due to the landslide. The reconstruction works were finished only four centuries later. The cathedral changed its look and got some Baroque elements in the 17th century. Today, Cattedrale di San Gerlando is a … Read more

Alberobello

Trullo Sovrano is a no less interesting museum that is open on Piazza Sacramento. This museum is open in one of a few two-story trullo houses in Alberobello. The building is an important architectural attraction. Step inside to see the typical design of local houses in the 18th century. You will have an opportunity to see how residents of Alberobello lived hundreds of years ago. Trullo Sovrano exhibits old tableware, household items, and handmade furniture. Don’t forget to take a look at old … Read more

Assisi

Another important religious site for Assisi is the Cathedral of San Rufino. The very first church was built in its place in the 5th century. Today, guests of the city can see the cathedral that was built in the 13th century. It is a striking architectural monument in the Romanesque style. Although the cathedral has undergone multiple reconstructions and renovations throughout its existence, it has still managed to retain almost all of its original features. Of special interest is the beautiful … Read more

Nature of Italy - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Italy

Famous places and sights of Italy

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco

Photogallery of Italy

Cultural sights in regions of Italy

Italy: Map of sightseeing in regions