Bessa Special Nature Reserve

The habitat is made up of a plateau characterized by pebbly heaps with a geomorphology which is unique in Europe. The original geomorphology was modified by man during the centuries. In the past, gold could be found in the streams Elvo and Olobbia. The extraction was carried out during the Roman and pre-Roman times and led to the accumulation of waste stones which gave the landscape its current shape: it is still possible to see pebbly heaps alternating with narrow hollows.
From a naturalistic point of view the area is very interesting since it presents a great variety of botanical species, some of which are also rare. Moreover, the entomological fauna is also very rich.
The Gold search is still a local tradition.

(the following links lead to Italian texts)

• History
• Flora and Fauna
• Geology

Further information