Subjects
Subjects
The Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park area represents the thousand-year history of the relationship between man and the humid coastal environment. The salt pans, documented since Phoenician and Punic times, were one of the most significant productive settlements in the Mediterranean area. The salt collection system developed over the centuries under Spanish, Savoy and Italian domination. The salt complex reached its maximum expansion and modernization between the 19th and 20th centuries, with the construction of advanced hydraulic systems, channel networks and mechanized pumping systems, becoming a strategic center for the production of salt at the national level. The closure of the production activity in 1985 marked the beginning of a phase of environmental and cultural conversion. In 1999, the Region of Sardinia officially established the Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park, with the objective of protecting the humid ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity and recovering the historical and industrial heritage. The area has been converted into a center for research, environmental education and nature tourism. The site preserves numerous artifacts of industrial salt archeology: canals, embankments, hydraulic systems, technical buildings and warehouses, including the building called “Sali Scelti”, now restored and used as a visitor center and exhibition space. The Park covers about 1,600 hectares between the municipalities of Cagliari, Quartu Sant'Elena, Quartucciu and Selargius, in the coastal strip between the Molentargius Pond and the Poetto beach. The area is a rare example, at European level, of a humid ecosystem located in an urban environment and is characterized by the presence of freshwater and saltwater basins, separated by natural and artificial sandy cords, in a landscape of great environmental, historical and anthropogenic interest. The park's water system includes, among others, the Bellarosa Minore pond and the Perdalonga (fresh water), the Bellarosa Maggiore (or Molentargius), the Saline and the Perda Bianca (brackish water). The vegetation of the park, spontaneous and with controlled plantations, is divided into distinct bands and habitats: brackish and lagoon wetlands, freshwater basins (Perdalonga, Bellarosa Minore), areas with transitional herbaceous and shrub vegetation, wooded areas and equipped gardens (especially along the paths that can be visited). The park's green areas are divided into distinct functional and landscape typologies. Natural areas: they include green areas bordering the ponds and the main basins protected with an integral protection regime. Areas with natural recolonization: surfaces deriving from the progressive abandonment of salty tanks and canals where vegetation has spontaneously resettled. Grassland areas: flat areas with grass cover and nitrophilic vegetation. Equipped green areas: spaces arranged with ornamental plantations, furniture and cycle paths intended for public use and environmental education. Fossil beach: sandy formation of Pleistocene origin that delimits the southern sector of the park. The park is now accessible and usable through a network of cycle and walking routes, rest areas, ornithological observatories, guided tour services and the rental of environmentally friendly vehicles. The park is a fundamental habitat for the rest, nesting and wintering of numerous ornithic species, including the pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), which has become an emblem of the area.
Consult the Catalogue of Cultural Heritage — Molentargius Natural Park Data Sheet NCTN 2000253085.
Aspects of interest
The Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park represents a landscape and environmental unicum of great importance, where the coexistence between humid ecosystems and the urban context creates a delicate and significant balance. The presence of protected habitats, valuable wildlife species (in particular the pink flamingo) and archaeological-industrial evidence makes the area of multidisciplinary interest, with important educational, cultural and tourist-naturalistic potential.
Structure category: natural monument
Content type:
Park or garden
Environmental site
Usability: Open
Province: Cagliari
Common: Cagliari
Macro Territorial Area: South Sardinia
POSTAL CODE: 09126
Address: via La Palma, 9
Website: www.parcomolentargius.it www.cittadelsale.com
Facebook: www.youtube.com/channel/UClqnoPmv--2doNhBOH8id7g
Twitter: twitter.com/Molentargius
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UClqnoPmv--2doNhBOH8id7g
Instagram: www.instagram.com/molentargiussalineofficial
Information on tickets and access: For always updated information on the opening hours of the Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park, it is advisable to visit the dedicated web page on the website of the consortium that manages it.
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