History and teachings
In the Geopark, the high number of geosites, unique and scientifically valuable, as well as their geodiversity, confirm the consistency of the geological heritage of this area in southern Italy. The area is made up of sedimentary rocks both carbonate and siliciclastic. The area belongs to the Southern Apennines fold-and-thrust belt, which developed between late Cretaceous and Pleistocene ages as a consequence of the interaction between the European and the African plates and spreading of the Tyrrhenian oceanic basin. Moreover, several endemic animals, such as the wolf and otter, have been protected since 1997 by the “Man and Biosphere” programme of UNESCO.

Cross-cultural dimensions
Due to the long and complex lithogenetic and orogenetic history, several litho-stratigraphical units in form of nappes and/or irregular sequences can be distinguished. We can find 130 million years old Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, Mesozoic pelagic deposits and 16-6-million-year-old Miocene siliciclastic turbidite. These rocks represent a key in the evolution of the central Mediterranean.

Useful information:
recommended for all; general; doesn’t require prior knowledge; accessible; affordable

The Geopark is located in the province of Salerno, Campania and occupies the whole territory of the National Park of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano. The Geopark extends from the Tyrrhenian coast to the margin of the Lucania mountains.

Guided tours available.

Partial accessibility for disabled.