Explore the network of
UNESCO Geoparks
Welcome to Murgeopark
A JOURNEY THROUGHOUT THE EARTH’S HISTORY
Murgeopark, the new web-portal dedicated to the Alta Murgia and Premurge territory, a candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark status. Located in the heart of Apulia, this fascinating strip of land is characterized by breathtaking landscapes, ancient geological formations and extraordinary biodiversity that make it unique.
The karst nature of the territory
A millenary landscape
The area aspiring to join the UNESCO Global Geoparks network includes fifteen municipalities: Altamura, Andria, Bitonto, Cassano delle Murge, Corato, Gravina in Puglia, Grumo Appula, Minervino Murge, Poggiorsini, Ruvo di Puglia, Santeramo in Colle, Spinazzola, Toritto, Laterza and Acquaviva delle Fonti. Our mission is to preserve and enhance the rich geological, natural and cultural heritage of this region, promoting sustainable and integrated development with local communities.
UNESCO World Global Geoparks are geographic areas of international significance where geological sites and landscapes are managed according to a holistic approach that integrates protection, education, and sustainable development. This bottom-up approach, combining conservation and sustainable growth, actively involves local communities and is emerging as a successful model. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in synergy with its natural and cultural heritage, to raise awareness and educate about global challenges, such as sustainable use of Earth’s resources, climate change mitigation and natural risks management.
There are currently 213 geoparks in 48 countries, demonstrating the growing recognition of this integrated management model.
We invite you to join us on our journey toward UNESCO recognition, helping to protect and promote our extraordinary territory. Explore the website to find out about current, past and future initiatives, and how you can be part of this enthusiastic adventure.
THE MURGEOPARK GEOSITES
The UNESCO World Geopark candidate territory is home to places exceptionally rich in sites of geological interest, called “geosites.” This term is used to represent a natural feature where its constituent rocks may have scientific or naturalistic value to be protected.
ADRIA
The (Almost) Lost Continent
The Alta Murgia National Park and the Apulian Premurge are part of a karstic territory that is exceptionally rich in ‘geosites’, both on the surface and underground.
The term geosite stands for a ‘site of geological interest’ and represents an element of geodiversity of international, national or local value, based on its uniqueness in the geological history of the planet.
As a whole, the Alta Murgia and the Premurge represent a unique element of geodiversity, being the last deep-rooted leg (together with the Istrian Karst) of an old continent: Adria.
Position
The MurGEopark (aspiring Unesco Geopark) is located in Europe,
in the eastern sector of southern Italy (Puglia),
roughly between 40°37’ and 41°16’ N and between 15°58’ and 16°52’ E.
in the eastern sector of southern Italy (Puglia),
roughly between 40°37’ and 41°16’ N and between 15°58’ and 16°52’ E.
