Parco naturale regionale Bosco e Paludi di Rauccio, Regional park and wetlands in Lecce, Italy.
Parco naturale regionale Bosco e Paludi di Rauccio is a protected area along the Adriatic coast covering approximately 1600 hectares with various habitats including marshes, wetlands, and cultivated land with olive groves. The landscape shifts between dense woodland, open water areas, and Mediterranean scrubland that adapts to the changing terrain.
The woodland here represents the final surviving portion of an ancient forest that once covered the land between Lecce and the Adriatic since medieval times. Centuries of land clearing reduced this vast forest to this single protected reserve, which now preserves what remains of that original landscape.
The Masseria di Rauccio stands as a fortified farmhouse from the 16th century with distinctive exterior stairs, showing how rural communities built their homes to protect themselves. This structure still carries the mark of that defensive way of life in the countryside.
The park is best explored on foot or by bicycle, with signaled trails leading through the different habitats and areas. Wear appropriate clothing for the season, as conditions vary considerably between the wetter zones and drier woodland sections depending on when you visit.
The park sits directly on a major migration route for water birds, serving as a critical stopping point for species traveling between northern and southern regions. This makes it an excellent location for observing the seasonal movements of birds that pass through each year.
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