Parco Naturale del Rio Grassano

Useful Information

Location:	Northeast of Telese.
Open:	No restrictions. [2012]
Fee:	free. [2012]
Classification:	Karst Spring
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	Y=6,000 l/s, A=60 m asl., AR=120,000m².
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Parco del Grassano, Via Grassano 1, cap 82035, San Salvatore Telesino, Tel: +39-0824-976475, Fax: +39-0824-976475. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The Parco Naturale del Rio Grassano is located at the southern foot of a karst plateau, which ends with a hill called monte Pugliano. This hill is famous for its huge dolines called Puri di monte Pugliano. The drainage of this area is the spring of the river Grassano, and with an average yield of 6,000 l/s it is a huge karst spring, the resurgence of an underground river. The spring and the first 500 m of the river are surrounded by a park-like nature reserve.

This place is famous for its flora and fauna, but also a popular recreational spot. The most important feature is the natural air condition by the cold spring water and the trees and bushes growing because of the water. There is a restaurant, a bar, a picnic area, a playground, and a sports field. The conference center offers exhibition space and there is even an area for open air concerts. People can also kayak or row an inflatable boat on the water.

The upper part of the Rio Grassano was used to power several mills. The first mill is right below the biggest spring and is part of the park. The biggest mill is 1,200 m from the spring at the SP87 in Telese Terme. Rio Grassano is rather short as it flows into Rio Calore after less than 3 km.