The Park was inaugurated in 1993. It covers an area of 195 thousand hectares and lies in both Calabria and Basilicata. There are two main mountain ranges: the first and most important is the range which culminates in the DolceDorme peak ( 2,260m) and lies both  in Calabria and Basilicata; the second area includes the Orsomarso chain on the western side in Calabria. The Calabrian part is rocky and majestic and characterized by crevices and sheer rock faces. The part in Lucania has a more gentle aspect. The Pino Loricato ( Pinus Leocodermis) is extremely interesting and is considered by experts to be a living fossil because of some of its bio-morphological characteristics which are no longer to be found in other living species. It has a thick protective bark formed of overlapping plaques which give it its name: armour-plated. The other most common trees in the area are  beech, maple, fir and oak. There are numerous types of animals which are no longer present in other areas. Wolves, otters, deer, wild cats, Royal eagles, vultures, royal owls and many bird species.  There are 32 towns within the park area , all with their specific cultural and architectural interest. Sanctuaries, convents, ancient town centres, and castles all offer interesting alternatives to the natural environment. There are religious festivals and folk festivals which allow the visitor to become part of this old and beautiful land.

Civita

The town stands on the edge of a deep and mysterious gorge in the limestone formed by the Raganello River (The Raganello Gorge) on the eastern side of the Pollino. It was founded by exiled Albanians and the old buildings can still be seen and are examples of the nationality and culture of the founding fathers which are of great interest to any visitor. Here the famous VAllje are still held. These are traditional dances and festivities. Interesting industrial remains such as  wind and water mills and the spinning looms can be seen.

Visit: The Raganello Gorge.v

Morano Calabro

This is certainly one of the most important and fascinating places in the Pollino National Park. Its very position offers a marvellous panorama which once was extremely important strategically. The view takes in the Valley of the River Coscile and ancient Sybaris. Right at the top of the town stands the Norman castle, now in ruins.  But two most important monuments are the Church of San Bernardino, built towards the middle of the fifteenth century by the Sanseverino family and a little further on, the Church of the Maddalena, one of the most illustrious examples of CAlabrian baroque art ( inside ) while outside the architecture is neo-classical. The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul with statues by Bernini is also a must. At the foot of the Serra del Prete mountain (1000m) you can see the remains of the Convent of Colloreto founded in 1545.

Visit: The Castle – The Church of San Bernardino – The Church of the Maddalena – The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Plataci

Plàtaci is called the country of murals in the arbëresh world.
It is an agricultural center on the eastern side of the Pollino, overlooking the Sibari Plain and the Ionian Sea.
To visit are the Church of Our Lady of Constantinople and the one dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
From 5 to 21 August there are various traditional and cultural events: bonfire lighting, ecological days with hike to Mount Sparviero at an altitude of 1713 meters, exhibitions of painting, sculpture and antiques of local artists. Interesting is the recovery of the traditional wedding procession to the sound of the bagpipe or the organetto with the dressing of the typical Albanian costumes worn by women.
Suggestive is the feast of San Rocco, with great participation of the citizens.
In Plataci there is also a new way to have fun: since 2015 the Adventure Park is available to adults and children. "Plataciland" is the Park in which you can practice in total safety exciting routes of agility suspended between the trees, with many types of passages divided into different levels of difficulty: from the easiest ones suitable for children to the most challenging, for those who want to challenge their limits having fun.

Cerchiara di Calabria

The village is located in a particular location at 715 meters on Mount Sellaro. To visit are the imposing remains of the castle, the church of San Giacomo, in which there is a table of 16. Century, representing Saint Nicholas and the church of Saint Peter.
A thousand meters high there is the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Armi, located inside a cave. On a stone is carved the sacred image of the Madonna.
In the surroundings of Cerchiara there are many characteristic caves: the most important are that of the Abyss of Bifurro, the Cave of the Serra del Gufo and that of the Nymphs.

Of great importance are the springs of the Cave of the Nymphs, whose sulphurous waters feed the homonymous thermal complex. A hot water pool has been created in the cave. Here, mud forms with therapeutic properties. According to ancient legend, the Cave of the Nymphs was the hidden cave that guarded the thalamus of the legendary Calipso.