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The park features a vast mountain range of five peaks<\/strong>, some of the highest in southern Italy, nestled between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. It\u2019s an ideal place for hiking, trekking, via ferrata, climbing<\/strong>, caving, snowshoeing, rafting, canyoning<\/strong>, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking<\/strong>. Nature here is lush and thriving, with an abundance of flora, fauna, and wild medicinal and aromatic plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to follow me along the trail that leads to the ridge, where we\u2019ll discover the high-altitude loricate pines, surrounded by a legendary landscape? Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A diverse and close-knit group was one of the many gifts of this tour. Bloggers, travel designers, tour operators, content creators, and photographers were my extraordinary companions in this stunning location. Along with our professional guides, Leonardo Viceconte and Saverio Indio, who were attentive and highly knowledgeable, we set off from the Rifugio Pino Loricato<\/strong>. This popular spot, located at 1,537 meters above sea level<\/strong>, is accessible even by a four-wheel-drive vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All the trails in the massif are well-marked, and the trek to Serra di Crispo<\/strong> is an 11-kilometer circular route<\/strong>. It takes about five hours<\/strong> to complete with an elevation gain of 500 to 600 meters<\/strong>. The path is not particularly difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Equipped with trekking shoes, backpacks, water bottles, and layers of clothing, we began our hike. Along the way, we encountered specimens of silver fir<\/strong> (Abies alba), maples<\/strong>, chestnuts<\/strong>, and the many beech trees<\/strong> typical of the area, as well as various flowers like gentians and buttercups. We crossed high-altitude meadows and spotted grazing horses<\/strong>. The forest was already dressed in autumn colors<\/strong>\u2014red, yellow, and brown. The scent of moss filled the air, and the ground had become a magical kingdom for various mushroom species<\/strong>, from delicious porcini to the poisonous Amanita muscaria (definitely not foraging or tasting!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our guide Leonardo explained that each season brings a different but equally spectacular landscape<\/strong>, with unique flowers, colors, and experiences. In winter, when it snows, the mountain becomes a vast white blanket\u2014perfect for skiing. In spring and summer, the area blooms with wildflowers, and the longer, sunnier days allow for exploration of trails and waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we reached the summit, our eyes widened at the breathtaking view<\/strong>: a stunning panorama where we could see the profile of the Ionian coast, from Taranto to Sibari, and even spot the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serra di Crispo\u2019s<\/strong> ridge is known as the \u201cGarden of the Gods<\/strong>,\u201d and it\u2019s easy to see why. The enchanting atmosphere and the majestic peace among the towering pines, make it feel like the home of some mythological deity. It\u2019s a fascinating place where ancient loricate pines<\/strong> thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top, we couldn\u2019t resist a little pic-nic<\/strong>: we enjoyed local Lucanian taralli<\/em> (typical local bisquits), unforgettable with their elongated shape, light and crunchy flavor, and fennel seeds, accompanied by a toast with wine generously provided by Leonardo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The standout feature of this region is the park\u2019s absolute protagonist, towering over the Garden of the Gods: the loricate pine<\/strong>. This protected species is reason enough to visit Basilicata. Unique and rare in Italy, it\u2019s considered a living fossil. Some of these millennia-old conifers<\/strong> thrive in harsh environments and rocky soils, giving them a sculptural and imposing appearance. Over their long lives, they can reach heights of 40 meters and diameters of more than a meter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tree\u2019s name comes from its thick, ash-gray bark, which features wide, plate-like fissures that resemble a lorica, the armor worn by ancient Roman soldiers. This natural armor has allowed the pine to survive at high altitudes<\/strong> and in tough climatic conditions. It\u2019s the only tree that can grow above the beech tree line. Now the logo of the park<\/strong>, this tree has become an icon of the entire Lucanian region<\/strong> and a symbol of Basilicata<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After descending from the ridge, we returned to the Rifugio Pino Loricato<\/strong>. As often happens in the mountains, clouds and rain quickly replaced the clear blue sky and warm sun. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a hearty meal of local delicacies at the refuge, which gave us much-needed rest after our high-altitude trek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the cheerful and delicious lunch, we headed to the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Pollino<\/strong>. This religious structure dates back to the 1700s when the Virgin appeared to be a shepherd at this very spot. The statue of the Madonna del Pollino is carried by pilgrims<\/strong> from the village of San Severino<\/a><\/strong> in a solemn procession between July and September, accompanied by celebrations of dancing, singing, camping, and prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Trail to Serra di Crispo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Magic at the Summit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Park\u2019s Emblem: The Majestic Loricate Pine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/pino-loricato.jpg\")
The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Pollino<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Madonna](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/madonna.jpg\")
![\"Pollino](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/Parco-del-Pollino-gruppo-870x490.jpg\")