サンタンジェロ・ムサロの天然記念物・トップ3

The Aragona selenite gypsum flow, in the Mintini district near the Taccia-Caci mines, bears witness to a millennia-old geological process: Triassic deposits (approximately 250 million years ago), formed by evaporation in ancient brackish seas, emerged thanks to African-European tectonic movements. Crustal compression extruded the gypsum in a plastic form, which was then shaped by wind and water erosion into characteristic pinnacles and cracks.

The striking peak of Sutera glows in the evening sun, sure to be a new highlight at every brilliant sunset.

The site is still closed in 2025, but you can approach the fence where you can observe one of the most distant volcanoes. Furthermore, there seems to be a possibility of a "soon" reopening. The macalube (or maccalube) are small mud volcanoes formed by a rare geological phenomenon called sedimentary volcanism: methane gas pressure causes gas, water, and clayey sediments to escape from the subsurface, forming mud cones very similar to volcanoes. The term likely derives from the Arabic maqlùb, meaning "overturning" or "upside down," referring to the lifting and overturning of older materials brought to the surface during eruptive phases (from the web).

Beautiful nature reserve along the Magna Via Francigena. I had problems crossing the river. Hiking poles are an advantage.

The archaeological area of Petra of Calathansuderj hides a unique stronghold, testimony to the Byzantine-Arab-Norman influence, with an imposing structure 30 meters high and 40 meters wide, full of tunnels dug for the defense and control of the roads communication. The discovery of numerous ceramic finds, dated between the 2nd and 14th centuries AD, reveals the strategic importance of this site through the centuries.

The Monte Conca nature reserve, established in 1995, is an exceptional example of a landscape shaped by karst, with impressive underground karst systems that include the Inghiottitoio and Risorgenza caves. This protected area boasts a rich biodiversity, with habitats ranging from Mediterranean scrub to prairies, hosting endemic plant species and animals at risk of extinction, including the fox, the porcupine and the rare Bonelli's eagle.

For some years now it is no longer possible to enter the fenced area, created to protect the very rare evidence of the so-called "cold mud volcanoes". It is an unreal place, a lunar landscape, fantastic. The photo of me with my bike next to a macaluba is not from today, but from a few years ago, before the area was closed to the public. https://www.legambienteriserve.it/macalube-di-aragona/