Alta Murgia National Park, National park in Puglia, Italy
The Alta Murgia National Park covers 68,000 hectares across the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani, encompassing rocky plateaus, oak forests, and Mediterranean scrubland. Limestone formations and shallow depressions shape the topography, while the elevation ranges between 340 and 680 meters.
The protected area was formally created in March 2004 to preserve the region's historic grazing landscapes and archaeological sites. Medieval dry-stone walls and prehistoric remains mark human settlement across thousands of years.
Local shepherds still bring their sheep and goats to graze the plateau, following a tradition that has continued for centuries. These grazing lands have shaped the open landscape that defines much of the area today.
Marked trails guide visitors through different sections of the park, while information centers offer maps and details about geology and wildlife. Access is possible throughout the year, though summer temperatures can become very hot on the exposed plateau.
The Lamalunga cave holds a complete Neanderthal skeleton dating back approximately 150,000 years. Nearby, a quarry preserves around 30,000 dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous period embedded in the limestone.
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