Canyon del Raganello

The Raganello river cuts a long gorge through the southeastern side of the Pollino massif, ending below Civita. Protected for its geology, plant life and birdlife, the canyon forms a striking natural landscape beside the Arbëreshë town.

Why it matters

The Gole del Raganello extend from the Lamia spring toward the Ponte del Diavolo below Civita. Much of the gorge lies within the Riserva Naturale Biogenetica Gole del Raganello, established in 1987 and incorporated into Pollino National Park. Its cliffs and woodland provide habitat for golden eagles, peregrine falcons, eagle owls and griffon vultures.

What to notice

Water has carved pools, smooth rock basins and narrow passages into the canyon. The river corridor includes landmarks such as the Forra d'Ilice, Conca degli Oleandri and Tunnel dei Colombacci. The gorge's cliffs rise above groves of Bosnian and laricio pine and downy oak, creating a varied landscape of rock and forest.

Context and history

The difficult terrain has long offered shelter to people on the margins of settled life; local place names recall stories of bandits and fugitives. Formal protection arrived in 1987 to conserve the gorge's habitats and birdlife. The area is now recognized as an important natural landscape within the Pollino region.