Alta Murgia National Park
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 6 January 2024
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The Alta Murgia National Park is situated within the Metropolitan City of Bari province. Established in 2004, it covers a total geographical area of 677 square kilometres.
In terms of travel, it's possible to drive through large areas of the park, while the nearest train station is 18 kilometres away in Ruvo di Puglia. By air, Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is 51 kilometres away. |
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The Alta Murgia National Park, also known as Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia, is a unique protected area located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Encompassing the plateau of Murgia, the park offers a diverse landscape of limestone plateaus, rocky outcrops, ancient stone dwellings (trulli), and unique biodiversity, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
History
The history of the Alta Murgia National Park is deeply connected to its geological and cultural significance. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements and megalithic structures, such as dolmens and menhirs.
The Murgia plateau has been shaped by centuries of agricultural activities, including the construction of traditional dry-stone walls and the unique conical stone huts known as trulli, which are emblematic of the Apulian countryside.
The park was established in 2004 to preserve and protect its exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It covers an area of over 68,000 hectares, including parts of the provinces of Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, and Matera.
The Murgia plateau has been shaped by centuries of agricultural activities, including the construction of traditional dry-stone walls and the unique conical stone huts known as trulli, which are emblematic of the Apulian countryside.
The park was established in 2004 to preserve and protect its exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It covers an area of over 68,000 hectares, including parts of the provinces of Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, and Matera.
Key features
Alta Murgia National Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural and cultural beauty of southern Italy.
Hiking is one of the main attractions in the park, with an extensive network of trails that lead through its diverse landscapes.
From leisurely walks through the Murgia plateau to more challenging hikes to the limestone ravines, the park offers a variety of hiking opportunities for all levels of experience.
The park's diverse flora and fauna make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to a variety of animal species, including wild boars, foxes, porcupines, and numerous bird species, such as kestrels and hoopoes.
Visitors can explore the picturesque villages and historic sites scattered throughout the park, providing opportunities for cultural exploration and trying local cuisine.
The park's unique geological formations, including deep ravines and sinkholes, create a captivating landscape for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Rock climbing and caving are popular activities in the Alta Murgia, attracting adventurers to its rocky cliffs and limestone caves.
Visitor centers and information points are available throughout the park, providing valuable resources and educational materials for tourists interested in learning more about the park's natural and cultural heritage.
Alta Murgia National Park is accessible from various towns and villages in the region, including Bari, Altamura, and Matera. Visitors can reach the park by car or public transportation, and there are various accommodations available for those who wish to stay overnight.
The best time to visit the park depends on your interests. Spring and early summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the blooming wildflowers, while fall offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage colours.
Hiking is one of the main attractions in the park, with an extensive network of trails that lead through its diverse landscapes.
From leisurely walks through the Murgia plateau to more challenging hikes to the limestone ravines, the park offers a variety of hiking opportunities for all levels of experience.
The park's diverse flora and fauna make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to a variety of animal species, including wild boars, foxes, porcupines, and numerous bird species, such as kestrels and hoopoes.
Visitors can explore the picturesque villages and historic sites scattered throughout the park, providing opportunities for cultural exploration and trying local cuisine.
The park's unique geological formations, including deep ravines and sinkholes, create a captivating landscape for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Rock climbing and caving are popular activities in the Alta Murgia, attracting adventurers to its rocky cliffs and limestone caves.
Visitor centers and information points are available throughout the park, providing valuable resources and educational materials for tourists interested in learning more about the park's natural and cultural heritage.
Alta Murgia National Park is accessible from various towns and villages in the region, including Bari, Altamura, and Matera. Visitors can reach the park by car or public transportation, and there are various accommodations available for those who wish to stay overnight.
The best time to visit the park depends on your interests. Spring and early summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the blooming wildflowers, while fall offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage colours.
Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia
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Province: Metropolitan City of Bari
Region: Puglia Size: 677 km² Established: 2004 Nearest train station: Ruvo di Puglia (18 km) Fly to: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (51 km) Recommended accommodation: B&B Sul Ponte (26 km) |
