THE PROTECTED AREA: The Nature Re-serve "Calanchi di Atri" (Badlands of Atri), estab-lished in 1995, covers 390 hec-tares, spreading from the valley floor of the Piomba stream at 104 mt above the sea level to the Colle della Giusti-zia (Justice Hill) at 468 meters above the sea level. The biodi-

versity and geological diversity of the bad-lands make the agricultural landscape a unique natural heritage site and an area of great national importance.The badlands, known also as "Dantesque pits of hell", "devil's scratches" or called in dialect "li Ripe" ("Escarpments"), thanks to their imposing architecture, are one of the most fascinating aspects of the Adriatic coastal landscape. Past deforestation and pastures has brought to the surface clay soils, which, eroded by the alternation of periods of rain and drought, produce these particular forma-tions.

Regional Nature Reserve WWF's OasisThe Badlands of Atri

ACTIVITIES: The Centre for the Environ-mental Education of the Nature Reserve pro-motes different educational activities. The presence of flora and fauna species, the geo-logical features and the many agricultural activities inside the reserve make the oasis a perfect open-air laboratory.Training courses, rediscovery and promotion of agricultural products (sulla honey, row milk, black hens from Atri etc.) and cultural events take place throughout the year. Excit-ing excursions, mountain bike tours and rides along the bridle path are only a few of the many activities offered by the Centre. The excursions in the nature reserve can be combined with guided tours in the historical city centre of Atri, rich in wonderful ancient Roman ruins (Thermal baths, Fountains, Cis-terns and Theatre) and medieval architec-ture (Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale).

FAUNA: The variety of eco-systems within the Nature

Reserve, such as small woods, m e a d o w s , badlands, and

running water, represents the prerequisite for the presence of a rich and diversified fauna, although this is not

exclusive to this par-ticular type of envi-ronment. Here you can find important biological indica-

tors, such as the rare insects belong-ing to the noctur-

pian Snake and the Four-lined Snake inhabit thermophilous habitats.Thanks to the special mosaic distribution of cultivated and u n c u l t i v a t e d lands, woods and badlands, a

certain number of nocturnal predators - such the fox, the badger, the beech-marten, the weasel, the European polecat - seen while hunting small preys like moles, Etruscan shrews and shrews - can satisfy their food needs. In the Nature Reserve there are also rodents protected by the European Commu-

nity, like the Porcupine and 13 different spe-cies of chiropterans of extraordinary preser-vation interest, among which the Barbastelle and the Geoffroy's Bat. During the day and the night the unaware visitors are watched by wonderful European bee-eaters, northern harriers, peregrines, common buzzards, Eurasian kestrels, together with long-eared owls, barn owls, tawny owls and scops owls.

FLORA: This treasure trove of biodiversity preserves different plant species. The badlands select hard the species, hosting only those that survive in eroded soils rich in sodium chlo-

ride. Caper bushes, spear grass stalks,

and African tamarisks are the unique species capable to remain anchored to

the ground.The soft winter colours are brightened up by the French-honeysukle or the Saifoin, while here and there, in the fertile soils, you can

nal Lepidoptera, like the Odice suava or the Lasiocampa, lucanids, the rare Stag beetle, longhorn beetles and other species of insects, such as the beautiful diurnal butter-flies Scarce Swallowtail and Swallowtail . Col-ourful toads and Great Crested Newt live in the small ponds whereas the Italian Aescula-

F.te Brecciole

Hiker's handbook: Enjoy the pleasure of visiting a nature reserve, have fun without disturbing the environment, take memories with you only with your mind and capture images with your camera. Do not pick flowers and fossils, do not disturb animals, do not harm the natural surround-ings.

Use only the existing paths to visit the protected area. If you go off the beaten tracks, you could cause problems for plants and animals which live in this environment.

The badland area is a rare environment and a region of high biodiversity. At the same time it is a very delicate and easily damageable habitat. For this reason, dogs or other pets are not allowed in the reserve; barbeques, picnics and camping are forbidden.

Following these simple rules will allow the animals in the reserve to feel at ease, the plants to continue to exist and other people to enjoy this spectacle of nature in the future.

Recommended clothing and equipment:In winter: hiking boots, rucksack, k-way, water-bottle, binoculars and camera.In summer: hiking boots, rucksack, water-bottle, sunglasses, sun hat, binoculars and camera.

Information about our tours:www.riservacalanchidiatri.it - info visite

Administration:Palazzo DucaleP.zza Duchi D’Acquaviva Atri (TE)Tel. e Fax +39085.87.800.88info@riservacalanchidiatri.itcalanchiatri@wwf.itfacebook: Oasi WWF Calanchi di Atri

Headquarters:Centro di Educazione Ambientale(Centre for the Environment Education)Loc. Colle della Giustizia Atri (TE)

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Regional Nature Reserve

WWF’s Oasis The Badlands of Atri

ISTITUTO ABRUZZESEAREE PROTETTE - WWF

Comune di Atri

see liquorice plants, once cultivated for industrial purposes.In the nature reserve there also uncommon plant species, such as the Cardoon and the very rare Centaurea napifolia.In the background there is a mosaic of col-ours: geometric small plot of land, still culti-vated in the traditional way and bounded by natural borders: sloes, hawthorns, elderber-ries and smoothleaf elms.Green poplars and willow trees shade the banks of the Piomba stream, while impres-sive downy oaks dot the bare ploughed fields.

Texts: Adriano De Ascentiis, Caterina Marina Sciarra, Dante Caserta. Translation: Livia GiordanoPhotos: Davide und Vincenzo Ferretti, A. De Ascentiis, Mauro Cantoro, Daniela Zezza, LUTRIA snc.Printed on recycled paper RICARTA. Graphics: Grafica.2000@libero.it - June 2010

very fertile and prolific. Even today you can see ancient coins of Atri, dating back to the 6th - 7th century BC, before the Roman Empire.On one side of an as (ancient coin) is the face of the Sicial god Hadranus, from whom the city probably took its name.The origin of this coin is wrapped in legend, which reports that the coin arrived in Atri around the 10th century BC, during the

I l l y r i a n - S i c i l i a n migration. Historical documents certify the glorious past of the city: Atri was the birthplace of the parents of the Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus.Engineering works, such as caves, the Roman theatre, the cistern and the won-derful thermal baths

THE CITY OF ATRIThe city centre of Atri covers 92 km² and lies on three hills: Maralto, di Mezzo and Muralto. In the past the city was the centre of the dell’Ager hatrianus and was crossed by the roads via Salaria, via Cecilia and its branches, as some milestones testify. The Ager was bounded by the sea to the east, by the river Vomano to the north, by the Saline to the south and by the Gran Sasso on the west.The ancient ports of Vomano and Cerrano were strategic for the trade of renowed agri-cultural products and famous ceramics, whose testimonies are on the statutes of the city since the medieval period. Livy says that Hannibal used the wine of Atri to heal his horses from scabies. The pastures were also famous for making the flocks and black hens

Tourist Map of Atri's Territory

archaeological finds in Atri, including pre-cious bone and amber necklaces, pendants of animals and humans and fine Canopic vases.Medieval sights are also worth visiting. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of seven in the world to have a holy door, the church of S. Domenico with an arch of the same name, the church of S. Nicola, the Palazzo Ducale and its stables all date back to this period.In recent times, in 1881, was built The Teatro Comunale, named "San Carlino" for its resemblance to the Neapolitan theatre and the splendid mansions which adorn every corner of the city.

SUBTERRANEAN CONSTRUCTIONSIn the underground of the city there are many subterranean constructions. Historians try to explain them in different ways: if you observe the outside city walls and the struc-

This system has undergone many changes over the centuries to be suitable for a variety of purposes, but its original function of sup-plying water continues today.

COUNTRYSIDE AND AGRICULTUREThe countryside of Atri is rich in colours and full of small plots of land with rows of hedges and trees. In the green pastures and in the bare lands farmers and animals work hard to produce a good harvest. This land and the skilled hands of the farmers produce deli-cious products: wheat, cereals, olive trees and olive oil, grapes, wine, 'Pecorino' cheese (sheep's milk cheese) and tasty meat. On

with mosaics in the cathedral are tangible signs of this period. Precious archaeological relics are kept in various museums: an Etruscan mirror of Atri can be found in the British Museum of London; in the Archeologi-cal Museum of Chieti and in the Archeological Museum of Atri there are archeological treas-ures originating from the pre-Roman necropolis of Pretara and Colle della Giusti-zia.In 1901 the excavations of two famous scholars, Rosati and Brizio, made some new

1 Agriturismo Isola dei Calanchi Tel. +39085.87360 cell. +39328.6779.848 isoladeicalanchi@libero.it2 Agriturismo Nido dei Calanchi Tel. +39339.7441.133 info@nidodeicalanchi.eu3 BioAgriturismo La Quercia Tel. +39085.8700305 - +39333.2233.355 info@laquerciabio.com4 Agriturismo Antica Melegnano Tel. +39085.8708446 - +39338.5752.253 info@agriturismoabruzzo.eu5 Agriturismo Agricalifornia Tel. +39085.9492621 - +39329.2226.593 agricalifornia@libero.it 6 Agriturismo Valle del Sole Tel. +39085.8543523 - +39349.5759.300 licicco@gmail.com7 Agriturismo Il Berrettino Tel. +39085.9353122 - info@berrettino.it8 Agriturismo Sant'Ilario Tel. +39085.8798212 – +39329.7430.796 info@agriturismosantilario.com9 Agriturismo Podere San Domenico Tel. +39085.8710025 - +39338.1832.718 poderesandomenico@tiscali.it10 Agriturismo Rurabilandia Tel. +39085.87232 - info@rurabilandia.it11 Agriturismo Il Campo del Pavone Tel. +39333.9307.951 info@casadelauretis.it12 B&B... e Book Rifugio del Falco Tel./fax +39085.4491248 - +39338.1558.115 edgida@interfree.it13 B&B L'albero di Antonia Tel. +39346.1314.022 - +39340.9287.626 info@lalberodiantonia.it14 B&B Alexander Tel. +39085.2121772 - +39331.4626.933 prenotazioni@bbalexander.com15 B&B La Finestra sul Gran Sasso Tel. +39328.7686.291 - soniamuscianese@libero.it16 B&B Il pettirosso Tel. +39085.879099 - +39320.4941.136 ivan.santella@alice.it17 B&B Arco di S. Francesco Tel. +39085.87762 - info@arcodisanfrancesco.it18 B&B Il Mandorlo Tel. +39085.8797254 - +39329.4728.840 ilmandorlobb@libero.it19 B&B La casetta Tel. +39085.8798157 - +39388.9852.585 info@lacasettadiatri.it20 Country house La Terrazza di Atri Tel. +39085.8797392 - info@laterrazzadiatri.it21 Hotel Du Parc Tel. +39085.870260 - info@hotelduparc.it

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUMWinter (01/10-31/05) – 10:00/12:30-15:30/17:30 Closed on Monday. Summer (01/06-30/09) – 10:30/12:3016:30/19:00; Open every day. Tel. +39085-8797875CAPITULAR MUSEUMWinter (01/10-31/05) – 10:00/12:00 - 15:00/17:00; Closed on Wednesdays. Summer (01/06 - 30/09) – 10:00/12:00 – 16:00/20:00; Open every day, including holidays. Tel. +39085-8798140

ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM Winter (01/10-31/05) from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00/ 13:00. Summer (01/06 - 30/09) from Tuesday to Sunday 16:30/19:30. Tel/fax +39085-87721Didactic Museum of MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSWinter (01/10-31/05) from Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00/ 13:00. Summer (01/06-30/09) from Tuesday to Sunday 16:30/19:30. Tel/fax +39085-87721Museum/Archives “DI JORIO”Prior bookings only - Tel. +39085-870512

MTB Instructor F.C.I. - Tel. +39328.7164.049gianluca.santarelli@libero.it- www.abruzzotrailteam.com

RIDING SCHOOL Podere 3C La SorgenteSport and Cultural Association - at amateur levelAtri (TE) in C/da Tre Ciminiere, 22Info: +39340.3368.071 - mara.marangoni@poste.itfrancesco.vasta-riak@poste.it

Ass. Cavalcando l' AbruzzoC/da Montagnola - Atri (TE)Info: 085.1234567 - 388.3407470info@cavalcandolabruzzo.com

FARMS THAT COLLABORATE WITH US:Fattoria dei CalanchiMilk productsContrada S. MartinelloTel. +39085.8798858- +39328.20.12.300

Oil mill “Ferretti”Extra-virgin Olive Oil – Spicy oilsOil mill: contrada S. Martino - Tel. +39085. 87.00.139Sale: contrada Villa Ferretti - Tel. +39085. 87.06.62

“Pecorino Hat Atri” 'Pecorino' cheese (sheep's milk cheese). Contrada S. Martino AtriTel. +39085 87.00.222 - +39349.28.05.560

F.lli CacciatoreVegetables, Honey, Pecorino cheesec.da Valle Piomba – Castilenti (TE) – Tel. +39328.56.90.559

ture of some archeological fountains, you can see blocks, which may suggest a mining quarry. Special hydraulic lifting systems were probably used in order to supply and preserve water in the pools.An intricate network of tunnels, pools and fountains confirms the hypothesis that a hydraulic system existed, capable of con-trollling the rush of the waters, avoiding the erosion and the formation of badlands, and which was also able to provide water for urban and rural areas.In the tunnels of the ancient fountains you can see engravings in terracotta tablets (tegulae mammatae), Roman stamps, Opus signinum (plaster) and brick arches with engravings dating back to 16. century.The dense network of tunnels and fountains

(today there are 13; by the end of 1800 they were 28), together with the imposing "caves", located near the boundaries of the historic city centre, probably belonged to the only pre-Roman water system, which carried river waters to the houses, nymphaeums, thermal baths, neighbourhoods and places where people and herds took a rest.

Cathedral's cloister

Canala Source

Chiesetta di San PaoloStables and Roman cisterns

The Caves

Tunnel of the Canala source

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the small plains and gentle hills vegetables flourish: pear tomatoes, beans, peas, turnips and large amount of fruit - melons, peaches, almonds, walnuts, cherries and figs. The busy bees buzz in the air, collecting and transforming pollen into delicious honey.

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