UNESCO

Realizzato da: Isgrò Irene Isgrò Nives Rando Ilenia Perez Reyes Kimberly Marisol Ricciardo Melissa

UNESCO sites in Southern Italy

Covering about 1,300 hectares, the Valley represents one of the most remarkable examples of ancient Greek architecture and urban planning. In addition to the main temples, the site features walls, sanctuaries, necropolises, and other structures, providing a comprehensive view of the daily life and religious practices of the ancient city of Akragas, now known as Agrigento. The Temple of Concordia is often regarded as the architectural masterpiece of the Valley, characterized by impressive Doric columns and a well-preserved structure. The Temple of Juno, dedicated to Jupiter's wife, is also noteworthy for its grandeur. The Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento houses many artifacts from the Valley of the Temples, offering further insights into the history and culture of ancient Greece in Sicily. The Valley of the Temples is a fascinating destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts, providing a window into the rich past of this region.

The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site located in the city of Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most important and well-preserved complexes of Greek temples in the world. Built between 510 and 430 BCE, the Valley of the Temples includes several temples dedicated to ancient Greek deities. Some of the most notable temples include the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Doric temples, and the Temple of Juno, dedicated to the goddess Hera. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Valley of the Temples attracts numerous visitors each year due to its extraordinary beauty and historical significance.

The Valley of the Temples

It stretches from the Tyrrhenian coast with pristine beaches to the mountain peaks of the Apennines, providing a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Among the park's attractions are ancient medieval villages such as Castellabate and the Certosa di Padula, which is one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in the world. The park is also characterized by a rich cultural history and offers numerous hiking trails for enthusiasts, allowing exploration of the region's natural beauty. The beaches of Cilento are renowned for their wild beauty, and the area has preserved a relatively untouched natural environment. The Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park thus represent an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of natural wonders, history, and culture.

The Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park is a protected area located in southern Italy, in the Campania region. Designated as a national park in 1991, it was later included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1998. This national park covers an extensive area, encompassing the Cilento massif, the Diano River valley, and the Alburni mountains, offering an extraordinary variety of landscapes.

The Cilento National Parc

Trulli are often built without the use of mortar, using local stone, often limestone, so that the stones can be easily dismantled and reused if necessary. This characteristic makes them adaptable and environmentally sustainable. The origins of trulli date back to the 15th century, and their construction reflects both architectural ingenuity and the practical needs of local agricultural communities. In the past, trulli were often inhabited by farmers and shepherds, providing simple and functional shelters. Beyond their practical function, trulli have become an icon of Puglia and a tourist attraction in the region. Alberobello, in particular, is a famous trulli center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Preserving these structures contributes to keeping the history and culture of Puglia alive.

Trulli are typical rural dwellings in the Italian region of Puglia, particularly prevalent in the Itria Valley. These traditional constructions are characterized by white walls and dry stone cones as roofs. Trulli often feature distinctive architectural elements such as decorative pinnacles. The conical shape of the trulli roofs is an ancient and efficient construction technique, designed to quickly drain rainwater. Some trulli are adorned with symbolic paintings or religious symbols. Certain trulli have been preserved as cultural and tourist heritage, while others are still used as residences or for commercial activities. Well-known examples of settlements with trulli include Alberobello and Locorotondo.

Trulli

These churches showcase remarkable frescoes and architectural details, representing different periods of Christian history. The preservation of the Sassi and the Rupestrian Churches is not only a testament to Matera's rich cultural heritage but also highlights the city's ability to adapt to its environment over the centuries. Matera has undergone a transformation, and the Sassi, once associated with poverty, are now a symbol of cultural and architectural significance. Visiting Matera provides a captivating journey through time, allowing travelers to explore the fascinating blend of ancient cave dwellings and the intricate beauty of the Rupestrian Churches, making it a must-see destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera represent a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Matera, Basilicata, Italy. The Sassi di Matera, meaning "stones of Matera," are ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs of the Gravina River gorge. These dwellings date back to prehistoric times and were continuously inhabited until the mid-20th century. The Sassi are characterized by their troglodyte structures, with houses, churches, and other buildings seamlessly integrated into the natural rock formations. The architecture reflects the historical evolution of the region, with influences from various cultures over the centuries. The Rupestrian Churches, part of the larger park, consist of numerous churches carved into the soft tufa rock.

The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

The "prince" and symbol of the park is the Loricato pine , a magnificent "prehistoric" conifer which found its ideal range in this part of Italy, between Calabria and Basilicata. Initially established as the Pollino Regional Park, it became a National Park in 1988 and became an effective reality between 1993 and 1994. It covers an area of 192,565 hectares, of which: 88,650 in Basilicata and 103,915 in Calabria; affecting three provinces and fifty-six municipalities, of which thirty-two in Calabria alone.The headquarters are in Rotonda (PZ), in Basilicata, and owes its name to the massif of the same name: the Pollino Massif ; but the protected area also extends to the Orsomarso Mountains. The symbol of the park is the "Zu Peppu" loricated pine , a species that has grown spontaneously in these places since prehistoric times. The Pollino National Park was recognized as a UNESCO Geopark by the UNESCO General Conference on 17 November 2015.

The Pollino National Park , also known simply as Pollino Park , is the largest protected area in Italy, one of the largest in Europe. The highest mountains of the Southern Apennines are found in the Pollino National Park: Serra Dolcedorme , the highest peak in Calabria; Monte Pollino , probably the best known; the Serra di Crispo ; the Serra delle Ciavole , known for its beautiful loricated pines; the Manfriana ; the Cozzo del Pellegrino , the highest peak of the Orsomarso Mountains; The Mula; the Timpa del Principe; the Montea , the "wild lady"; Coppola di Paola ; Monte Alpi; Monte Caramolo and many others. Among the many wonders it includes, we highlight; the Gole del Raganello , known to canyoning enthusiasts; the Lao River , known especially to rafting enthusiasts; the Piani di Novacco, frequented by lovers of cross-country skiing, orienteering, trekking and camping; the Pine Loricati Cemetery; the Garden of the Gods; the Pollino Plans; the Bosco della Fagosa; and many other destinations.

Pollino National Park

Mount Etna is an active volcano located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Standing at approximately 3,329 meters, it is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. Its volcanic activity has been documented for millennia, with eruptions dating back to ancient times. Etna features a complex of summit craters, including the North-East Crater, South-East Crater, and Central Crater. Its silica-rich lava contributes to the formation of unique volcanic landscapes, such as lava flows, volcanic cones, and fumaroles.

The surrounding region of Etna boasts rich biodiversity, with flora and fauna adapted to volcanic conditions. In 2013, Etna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its geological, ecological, and cultural significance. This designation highlights the uniqueness and value of this volcanic environment, which continues to evolve through its eruptions.

Mount Etna

Naturalistic heritage