Sila National Park, National park in Calabria, Italy
Sila National Park is a protected area in Calabria spanning the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro, and Crotone, covering more than 73,000 hectares. The terrain alternates between broad plateaus, forested slopes, and several lakes fed by rivers.
The area was established as a national park in 1997, expanding earlier protection zones introduced in the 1920s. UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve in 2014, acknowledging its ecological importance.
The name Sila comes from a Latin word for forest and reflects the dense pine stands that have shaped the landscape for centuries. Visitors still see shepherds with their flocks on the plateaus, especially in early summer when the grass is fresh and green.
The terrain is suitable for walking and cycling on marked trails that pass through forests and along lakes. In winter, skiing is possible in Lorica and Camigliatello, while in summer the higher areas remain cooler than the coastal regions.
The Fossiata and Gallopane forests near Lake Cecita are home to ancient Laricio pines, some over 350 years old and reaching heights of 45 meters (148 feet). These trees are locally called Giants of Sila and rank among the tallest in southern Italy.
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