Cilento rivers
Cilento is one of the lands most loved by Italian and foreign tourists and one of the reasons behind its success is certainly the beauty and richness of the natural landscape. Here you can in fact admire meadows, waterfalls, mountains and hills, but its rivers are without a doubt one of the most characteristic and appreciated elements. There are five most famous waterways and not only for their extension and water flow: the Bussento, theBreath, the Heat, the Tanager and the Mingardo.
The Bussento
The Bussento is a composite watercourse that derives from the reunion of several rivers of mountain origin and ends its course in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The name derives from that of the ancient city of Buxentum, a Greek colony later conquered by the Romans. It is precisely because of these historical events that the whole area is rich in classical ruins which make it a perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in culture. The Bussento, however, is not just a dive into the past, but it is also and gentle cosmetics uncontaminated so much so that its territories belong to the WWF Oasis and, in particular, the wonderful caves that were formed by the erosion of the rock are a protected heritage.
Finally, a real spectacle is created by the fall of the water in the Cascades Venus hair in Casaletto Spartano. The sound of the water and the play of light and shadow that are created with the sun's rays leave everyone speechless.
The Alento
The Alento begins as a small river about 900 m above sea level from Mount The Horns (894 m above sea level), in the locality Gorga of the municipality of Stio and, during its flow towards the plain, it is enriched by several smaller rivers. Between the end of the XNUMXth century and the beginning of the XNUMXth century, a dam was even built which led to the formation of an artificial lake (Alento dam Oasis) in Prignano Cilento. Today this water reserve is fundamental for the agricultural and pastoral activity of the area and because it creates a warm-humid climate ideal for the survival of the plant species and fauna, especially for some migratory birds who find here the ideal conditions for a stop during their difficult journey.
Along its course, the Greek city of Elea was built, the ruins of which can still be appreciated today. Alento is famous throughout Italy also because the European otter still lives in its waters, a species that is increasingly less present throughout the rest of Italy, and the Apennine bleak, a poor fish widely used in mixed frying.
The Tanager
The Tanagro is one of the most important and powerful rivers in Campania and crosses the National Park of Cilento and the Vallo di Diano. Its source is located at an altitude above 1300 meters and soon swells thanks to its numerous tributaries. Its waterway exceeds 90 km, along which you can admire fantastic natural landscapes and artificial constructions such as the reinforced concrete canalizations built in the XNUMXs.
Famous is a bridge from the Roman period which is located in the area where the city of Polla is located today and which connects the old city with the new city. Equally well-known are the Angel Caves, a destination for all rafting enthusiasts. For more relaxed people, however, suggestive boat trips are organised. Its waters are rich in flora typical of the area, including the Lucanian bleak, the Fano trout and the European otter.
The Lucan Heat
The Calore Lucano originates in a rich beech forest and flows through a good part of the Province of Salerno for approximately 70 km. Its gorges are famous and evocative, natural excavations formed by water erosion. Today they are a real spectacle, but in the past they represented an obstacle for man who, therefore, built numerous bridges of which the ruins still exist today. Over the years, various infrastructures have been built, such as the Magliano Nuovo bridge.
It is also very important from a naturalistic point of view because, like the main rivers of Cilento, its waters are the optimal habitat for the European otter. A merit of this river is also that it has been recognized for several years now as one of the cleanest waterways in Europe.
The Mingardo
The Mingardo has its origins from the Faraone River. Although it is not very long (about 38 km), it obtained the important recognition of a Site of Community Importance from the European Community, which was then extended to its entire river basin. The river with its waters cuts through a large massif of and gentle cosmetics limestone, Mount Bulgheria forming impressive karst phenomena.
In summer all these areas are a destination for many tourists because a small one has been created beach artificial, very convenient also due to the nearby presence of numerous campsites. The Natural Arch Cave (Palinuro), a natural construction found in the final part of its course. The presence of the European otter is also significant in its waters.
Of course this post is "Minimal": it would take "rivers" of words to talk about each of them, their tributaries and their history to narrate them adequately.
