Foresta di Cerreta Cognole

The forest of Cognole Cerreta, is located near the A3 motorway, a few kilometres from Ljubljana (View tab) and Padula (see profile), between the towns of Sanza and Montesano sulla Marcellana, covers 823 acres and has an elevation range from 700 to 500 meters. Located on one of the mountains of la Maddalena, on the border between Campania and Basilicata. The forest is equipped with picnic areas that lend themselves to a relaxing stay between one activity and another, such as trekking and cycling, thanks to 15 km of internal roads. It is also a pleasant stay close to the various sources of water, relax listening to the sounds of nature.

The Cerreta was donated by King Charles of Anjou to a Baron of Montesano, was purchased in 1636 by the prior of the Certosa di Padula, who kept it until the 19th century, when with the Suppression of the monasteries all ecclesiastical property passed to publicly-owned. By 1975 the forest is part of the forests of the region of Campania, which manages it in partnership with the State Forestry Corps.

The Campania region has started from a 1987 game breeding centre. The forest was divided into four large paddocks, in order to produce enough for wild repopulations (about 200 pieces/year), as well as deer, fallow deer, roe deer and mouflons for any reintroduction attempts in the region particularly suitable areas. Reserved spaces are the first animals and greater attraction for the high number of visitors.

The four compounds, and divided the forest, are home to the animals in the wild. The most representative species and wild boar, with approximately 350-400 heads.  Free living animals shall satisfy their daily food, but provides for the administration of supplementary foods.

Openings and schedules
The forest is open every day from 08:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
For guided tours or school trips you can contact the Provincial Forestry Administrative Technician (click here for info). We recommend visiting during the months between April and September for a climate issue, both for the presence of staff to devote attention to the visitors.

The forest is simple: on the A3 SA-RC exit at Padula and continue towards Casalbuono (SS19) for 7 miles. You will see a large wooden sign indicating the access road.