The Monte Croccia Anthropological Nature Reserve

Inside the magnificent landscape of the Regional Park Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, the Mount Croccia Anthropological Nature Reserve preserves precious archaeological evidence of a civilisation that inhabited these mountains before the Roman invasion. Thefortified settlement of Croccia-Cognato rose on the summit of Mount Croccia, over 1,000 metres above sea level. Massive square stone blocks formed a large city wall built between the 6th and 4th centuries BC. Not far from the remains of these fortifications, artefacts and objects from the Neolithicperiod have also been found, as well as a megalithic complex known as Petre de la Mola. The position of these gigantic boulders aligns throughout the year with the sunlight, accurately indicating the seasons and solstices. Hiking enthusiasts will then enjoy the many paths that penetrate the forests around the Monte Croccia Anthropological Nature Reserve.