Monte Pollino, Limestone summit in Pollino National Park, Italy.
Monte Pollino is a limestone peak in the southern Apennines, rising between Basilicata and Calabria at approximately 2,200 meters elevation. The mountain is crossed by marked hiking trails that lead to a staffed mountain shelter partway up the slope.
The region has been inhabited since ancient times, as shown by findings in caves that point to early human activity. More recently, the area was designated as a national park in 1992 to protect its environment.
The mountain sits within a protected area where visitors can discover evidence of ancient settlements preserved in rock carvings nearby. These marks show that people have inhabited and shaped this mountainous landscape for thousands of years.
Visitors should come prepared with proper gear and layered clothing, as weather at elevation changes rapidly. The best season for hiking is from May through October when conditions are most stable.
The area is home to rare Bosnian pine forests found in only a handful of locations across Europe, which thrive in the harsh conditions. These trees are a surprising discovery for many visitors exploring the trails.
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