Overview

The Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane Regional Park is a large protected naturalistic area located in the heart of Basilicata, on the border between the province of Potenza and Matera. The waters of the Basento, the longest river in the region, skirt the borders of this mountainous territory, covered with dense forests of turkey oak, chestnut, oak, maple and other plant species. Travelling along the roads through this park is to find yourself immersed in a landscape of great charm, characterised by steep gorges and small villages of ancient foundation, such as Pietrapertosa, Castelmezzano and Accettura, to name three of the most well-known settlements. The landscape is then dominated by peaks of sandstone, sharp and rocky, known as Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, which reach as high as 1,455 metres of Mount Caperrino, the highest peak in the park. The fauna inhabiting the woods of the Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane Regional Park is both varied and surprising. While it might be difficult to spot wolves, foxes and porcupines, just headfor the Daino-Cervo Fauna Oasis to access a protected area where specimens of these native species have been reintroduced.