The Alta Murgia National Park and the Apulian Premurge are part of a karstic territory that is exceptionally rich in 'geosites', both on the surface and underground.
The term geosite stands for a 'site of geological interest' and represents an element of geodiversity of international, national or local value, based on its uniqueness in the geological history of the planet.
As a whole, the Alta Murgia and the Premurge represent a unique element of geodiversity, being the last deep-rooted leg (together with the Istrian Karst) of an old continent: the Adria.
The entire region corresponds, in fact, to a portion of the Mediterranean basin where the old Adria Plate 'survives’ - an almost lost continent 'squeezed' between Africa and Europe due to their convergence.
This exceptional revelation helped nominate the Alta Murgia National Park as an aspiring Unesco Geopark.
The MurGEopark (aspiring Unesco Geopark) is located in Europe, in the eastern sector of southern Italy (Puglia), roughly between 40°37’ and 41°16’ N and between 15°58’ and 16°52’ E.
UNESCO Geopark candidate territory corresponds to the north-western Alta Murgia and the Premurge area of Apulia. The entire area is predominantly hilly, with altitudes up to about 680 metres.
The Alta Murgia area is characterised by the presence of woods, karstic caves, sinkholes, escarpments, peculiar watercourses, extensive pastures and architectural elements with settlements linked to farming and pastoralism.
The area includes the municipal territory of 15 towns in the provinces of Bari, BAT and Taranto. The total population is around 440,000.
Download the geotouristic mapA karst heartland where ancient history blends, nature, flavors and knowledge. A silent destination.
A corner of the world out of time.
The booking of excursions and visits can be made on the Park website in the "Book your visit" section
Book your visitTo book excursions and visits, contact the Park guides at the email address:
guideufficialipnam@gmail.com