Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni

Lore & Background

The park was officially instituted on December 6, 1991, to protect the territory of Cilento from building speculation and mass tourism. Originally named Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, also with the ancient Greek towns of Paestum, Velia and the Padula Charterhouse. Other natural reserves in the area include the Natural reserve of Foce Sele-Tanagro (created in 1993, with the Oasis of Persano) and the Maritime reserve of Punta Licosa, in the municipality of Castellabate.

Reader's Guide

The national park's territory is one of the largest in Italy, though it does not include all municipalities of Cilento and Vallo di Diano. It includes almost all the Cilentan Coast and its central forest area is Pruno. The park also includes important karst systems along the Cilentan coast, such as the Caves of Marina di Camerota. Its significance lies in its role as a protected area established to curb building speculation and mass tourism, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its cultural and natural value, encompassing ancient Greek sites and a charterhouse. The park's legacy includes its contribution to conservation and its status as a major natural and historical landmark in southern Italy.

Did You Know?

• The park includes the Caves of Marina di Camerota, important karst systems.
• The administrative offices are located in Vallo della Lucania at Piazza Santa Caterina nr. 8.