Oasi WWF Grotte del Bussento

At Morigerati, the Bussento river disappears into limestone upstream and resurfaces in a shaded gorge. The WWF Oasis Grotte del Bussento protects this karst landscape, where springs, waterfalls and an old stone mill mark the river's return to the surface.

Why it matters

The oasis covers about 607 hectares within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park and includes the Natura 2000 site IT8050016. Its central feature is a karst river that vanishes underground before emerging at Morigerati. The protected area is managed jointly by the municipality and the WWF foundation.

What to notice

The nature trail follows the water downstream past springs and small waterfalls, through a gorge and toward the old stone mill beside the resurgence cave. The municipality describes the Grotta del Bussento as roughly 550 metres long, with an underground river and stalactites. Mosses, ferns, alder and willow thrive in the humid gorge, while holm oak, downy oak and Mediterranean scrub occupy the slopes. The oasis is also home to wildlife including trout, crayfish and otters.

Context and history

The Bussento rises on the Cervati massif, disappears into sinkholes in the limestone plateau, then re-emerges at Morigerati. The stone mill recalls the historic use of water in the mountain landscape. The WWF oasis protects the resurgence and its surrounding habitats as part of the wider national park.