Maiella National Park, National park and UNESCO Global Geopark in Abruzzo, Italy
Maiella National Park is a protected area in Abruzzo spanning three provinces and featuring the Maiella massif with its highest peak. The landscape includes steep slopes, deep valleys, and varied vegetation zones that change according to elevation.
The Italian Ministry of Environment created this nature reserve in 1991 to protect the geological formations and biodiversity of the Apennine mountains. The timing reflected growing recognition of the need to safeguard this important mountain region.
The park territory contains ancient hermitages, medieval churches, and traditional mountain settlements that showcase centuries of human presence in the Apennines. These structures blend into the landscape and tell the story of how people have lived alongside this mountain range.
The park offers over 500 kilometers of marked hiking trails at various difficulty levels and has three visitor information centers at the main entrances. The best time to explore is from May to October, when trails are snow-free and weather is stable.
The Grotta del Cavallone is one of Europe's highest natural caves open to the public, penetrating deep into the mountain massif. Visitors can explore this underground landscape and discover the rock formations that have developed over thousands of years.
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