The WWF OASI “CALANCHI DI ATRI”

The Regional Nature Reserve Oasis WWF Calanchi di Atri is located not far from the historical center and is an area that extends for about 600 hectares and presents one of the most fascinating forms of the Adriatic hilly landscape: the famous calanchi, that is majestic natural architecture also known as “Bolge Dantesche” or “Scratches of the devil.” The severe and imposing appearance of these formations derives from a form of dynamic erosion, caused by the past deforestation and favoured by the continuous drying and washing that act on the clayey conformation of the soil, thus making visible many marine fossils; and this is precisely why, in a small space, there are diversified habitats.
In Abruzzo, the gullies are present in many hilly areas, but only in Atri do they characterize the landscape so strongly, in addition to this very characteristic element, we can find, in the neighboring areas, ditches, ponds, bushes and cultivated fields that form a mosaic in continuous evolution. Symbol of the Reserve is the porcupine, but it is easy to come across kestrels, barbagianni, hawks, foxes.
The route is free and there are no timetables and entrance tickets, but for those who prefer the association that manages the reserve provides an explanatory app and it is possible to book guided tours. It also organises a busy calendar of events and initiatives:
https://riservacalanchidiatri.it/