Gianola and Mt Scauri Sub-urban Park

Situated at the southernmost corner of Sud Pontino in Lazio (Latium), in the Municipalities of Formia and Minturno, the park’s area covers 309 hectares (292 of land and 17 of marine area). This protected natural and archeological area was created in 1987. This area of Gianola was called Janula in ancient times and was officially described already in chronicles of 12th century. It was only much after that some historians deduced that the name Gianola was linked to the cult of Jana, the name that ancient Latin tribes gave to goddess Diana or Artemis (in ancient Greek language) who was the goddess of hunt reigning on the wilderness, forests and rivers at the edge of the cultivated lands.

Some of the ancient Italic tribes lived on or around this promontory. Already in Roman times the panoramic position and the warm climate encouraged the construction of villas, two of which lies in the park’s protected area fenced off in 1987. Turning right off SS7 Via Appia towards Porta di Gianola, visitors can reach the small landing harbor built in 1928-1930 on the site of ancient Roman fisheries. This is called locally as Porticciolo Romano (Roman harbor).

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At the foot of the southern slopes of the Aurunci Mountains, it enjoys a particularly Mediterranean-like mild climate giving the opportunity to visit the area in any season. The area of Gianola and Monte di Scauri represents the southernmost stretch of the Mesozoic calcareous mountains of the Aurunci, which represent their basic structure. The Park territory is very rich in vegetal species. The dominating vegetal formation is the Mediterranean maquis which sometimes evolves into pastures scattered with trees or woodlands; as we get closer to the sea, its influence leads to the growth of the characteristic shrub formations of the Mediterranean maquis.

The stretch of coast in front of the protected area is characterized by both a rocky and sandy seabed. This environmental heterogeneity allows the development of a much diversified vegetal and animal population of great naturalistic interest. The coast is shaped beautifully by cliffs, limestone deposits and detritus from the local volcano of Roccamonfina, a ctive in the Holocene age. In spite of the small size of the area, there is a great biodiversity of plants species. The most characteristic feature in the landscape is the presence of an old area of Mediterranean forest dominated by cork oaks, especially in the northern slopes of Gianola promontory. The though, low-growing maquis on the seaward slopes produces an explosion of colours in the springtime. Visiting Gianola promontory in the spring means walking with the yellow of the Erica plant, the rich purple of the irises on a frame of dark green of Myrtle, Cistus and Pistacia lentiscus.

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In May these colors are enriched by cyclamens, asphodels and orchids and many other wild flowers typical of the mountains behind the promontory. Along the southern coast, the sea view is enjoyed in company of isolated groups of old Aleppo pines. Their dark green umbrella tops stand out against the limestone cliffs, reflected in the blue and emerald green of the sea. The park offers suggestive views and landscapes which at sunset are enjoyed with the sea breeze carrying the scent of aromatic wild plants. The last sunrays with their reflections create moments of great fascination. The wildlife presence is strongly limited by the nearness of urban areas of Gianola, Scauri and Formia. Nevertheless, the cork woodland gives refuge to the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and other small animals such as the Stone marten (Martes foina), the weasel and the porcupine.

The tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the hedgehog are other silent and discreet inhabitants of the wood and bushes on the promontory. There are several species of birds both nesting and migratory. Some of the most common are the Eurasian kestrel, Blue tit, Great tit, goldfinch, jay, hoopoe, swift and several species of seagulls. In addition to few species of gulls, birdwatchers can observe the Oyster Catcher and the common Sandpiper. Interesting sights of passing by species include also cormorants, egrets, blue herons and buzzards. The marine environment of Gianola promontory is also protected thanks to the establishment of a WWF marine oasis thanks to a concession of the state. The Blue oasis covers and area of 50,000 square mt is located in the heart of the promontory and includes few small bays like Porto Confenegliu. The coastal bed is partly sandy. Fishing and motor-powered boats are prohibited in the Oasis where the WWF arranges educational and research activities

But the beauty of the sea can be enjoyed in sea watching and surface swimming with fins along the underwater paths to discover the most beautiful sea bed. In the summer there are summer nature camps for boys and girls and excursions along the coast. Schools can request personalized teaching activities. The WWF co-operate with the Cetacean Research Centre in the marine mammals conservation project and with Naples Zoological Station in the Turtle Project. The fish population is now rich thanks to the fishing ban after the area was declared protected. In the sea there are mullets, Perch, Salpa, White and saddled Beams as well as the Sea horse, symbol of the Oasis. The charming beauty of the landscapes of this small sub-urban park included in the Riviera D’Ulisse Park, is in the typical Mediterranean scenery offered by the gulf of Gaeta, with the rugged mountainous coastlines of the Aurunci and miles of striking vineyards, olive tree groves, orchards, garden terraces and inviting beaches.

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