Riserva regionale Bosco di Sant'Antonio, Nature reserve in Pescocostanzo, Italy.
The Riserva regionale Bosco di Sant'Antonio is a nature reserve in the Abruzzo region with a large beech forest stretching across 550 hectares between two mountains. The forest contains maple, oak, and holly trees alongside the beech, creating a mixed woodland environment.
The area was a sacred site dedicated to Jupiter in ancient times before it became home to hermits during the medieval period. This shift shows how the place held religious importance for different communities across the centuries.
The forest displays traditional pruning methods that shape trees into candelabra forms to let more sunlight reach the ground below. This practice shows how local communities have worked with the forest for generations.
Walking paths are available during the summer months for exploring the forest on foot, while winter offers cross-country skiing opportunities. Access to the reserve is found along Via Vittoria Colonna in Pescocostanzo.
The protected forest is home to uncommon birds like white-backed and Dalmatian woodpeckers, as well as wolves, bears, and wildcats. These large predators are rarely found in Central European forests, making this place a special refuge for endangered wildlife.
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