In Aspromonte in search of Monumental Trees

A land of enchantments and spells, sung about by D'Annunzio and celebrated by nineteenth-century English travellers, Reggio Calabria stands out for the variety of artistic works to see and itineraries to follow.
Not many people know that Reggio Calabria, as well as being called the City of the Bronzes, is also known as the City of the Fata Morgana, because here it is possible to witness that particular optical phenomenon, a real mirage, which can be seen within the narrow band above the horizon, where you have the feeling that the coast of Sicily is only a few metres from the Calabrian shores and that objects on the opposite shore are clearly distinguishable.
The city is typically Mediterranean, full of charm and with the irresistible appeal of a tourist resort. The splendid Lungomare Falcomatà, the most beautiful kilometre in Italy, is an apotheosis of palm trees and exotic species in an atmosphere of intense scents and colours, and is in fact the beating heart of the spring and summer tourist season, as well as a hub of cultural life, where you can stroll caressed by the sea breeze and in front of the enchanting panorama of the Strait.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Abies alba Mill. 
Municipality: Locality Tre Aie - Reggio Calabria (RC) - Protected area Aspromonte National Park 
Homogeneous group: 3 specimens
Dendrometric height: 35 m (average) 36 m (maximum) 
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 3.40 m (average) 4.11 m (maximum)
Latitude: 38°1564.97 
Longitude: 15°8331,40 
Altitude: 1,342 m asl
Three specimens of silver fir, forming a homogeneous whole, one of which is of considerable size, provide a solemn ornamentation for the Tre Aie fountain.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Fagus sylvatica L. 
Municipality: Locality of Gornelle - Reggio Calabria (RC) - Protected area of Aspromonte National Park 
Dendrometric height: 24 m
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 5.36 m
Latitude: 38°1383,96 
Longitude: 15°8354,48 
Altitude: 1.380 m asl
At Gornelle, a polychormic beech specimen can be admired, characterised by its remarkable size and bearing.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Fagus sylvatica L. 
Municipality: Locality Tre Aie - Reggio Calabria (RC) - Protected area Aspromonte National Park 
Dendrometric height: 20 m
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 5.60 m
Latitude: 38°1516,10 
Longitude: 15°8317,75 
Altitude: 1,335 m asl
In the Tre Aie area of Reggio Calabria, in the middle of the woods, there is a large beech tree.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Pinus nigra subs p laricio Maire 
Municipality: Fragolara locality - Reggio Calabria (RC) - Aspromonte National Park protected area 
Dendrometric height: 23 m 
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 3.55 m
Latitude: 38°1504,73 
Longitude: 15°8321,21 
Altitude: 1.350m asl
A specimen of Laricio Pine can be found near the Calabria Verde tollgate in Fragolara, in the territory of Reggio Calabria. The shape and bearing of this specimen are very particular, having lost the columnar structure typical of the species. In fact, the plant is branched with four branches that start at about 1.30 metres from the ground and with some twisted branches that give it a unique appearance.

Scilla is a small village in the province of Reggio Calabria, one of the prettiest and most characteristic in Italy, standing on a high rocky spur overlooking the sea. An important tourist centre of the Costa Viola, defined as such because of the colour of its waters at certain times of the day, Scilla has an ancient castle leaning against the coast, colourful houses juxtaposed one against the other, the Strait and the view of Sicily forming an enchanting panorama.
Scilla has recently been included by CNN in its list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy with the village of Chianalea, the oldest and most picturesque part of Scilla, also called Little Venice because of its position almost submerged in the sea. The houses, close together and separated by tiny lanes, seem to rise directly from the blue sea, resting their foundations on the rocks.
The ancient village is a succession of characteristic streets where you can appreciate churches and fountains, while the austere Ruffo Castle dominates from above.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Abies alba Mill. 
Municipality: Locality Abetazzo - Scilla (RC) - Protected area Aspromonte National Park 
Dendrometric height: 26 m 
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 4.95 m
Latitude: 38°1745,15 
Longitude: 15°8648,87 
Altitude: 1,570 m asl
In the territory of Scilla there is a splendid silver fir of considerable size, which is characterised by an enormous lateral branch about 50 cm above the ground. The locality is called Abetazzo because of the presence of this specimen.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Quercus pubescens Mill. 
Municipality: Contrada Baglio - Town of Fiumara (RC) - Protected area ZPS Costa Viola 
Dendrometric height: 26 m 
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 5.0 m
Latitude: 38°2233,33 
Longitude: 15°7094,44 
Altitude: 543 m asl
A specimen of Downy Oak can be found along the Campo Calabro - Melia provincial road. It is of considerable size, with large branches branching out in all directions, reaching a crown diameter of about 35 metres.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh
Municipality: Locality Due Fiumare - Reggio Calabria(RC) - Protected Area ZPS Costa Viola Aspromonte National Park 
Dendrometric height: 34 m 
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 5.70 m
Latitude: 38°1634,06 
Longitude: 15°8077,10 
Altitude: 731 m asl
In the municipality of Reggio Calabria, at Due Fiumare, a specimen of Eucalyptus Rostrato can be found on the path leading to the Cupola di San Silvestro. The specimen, of considerable size and with a good bearing, dominates the surrounding arboreal context.

Santo Stefano in Aspromonte is a mountain village perched on a rocky spur of the Gallico torrent, on the Tyrrhenian Aspromonte side of the province of Reggio Calabria. 
The territory, with a strong tourist vocation, is particularly interesting from the landscape and environmental point of view, both at the lower altitudes, mainly rural, and at the higher ones, more anthropized and particularly suitable for summer and winter holidays.
The vegetation in the area consists mainly of olive and chestnut trees up to an altitude of 1,000 metres, above which beech, pine and fir trees predominate. At an altitude of 1300 metres there is the winter and summer tourist resort of Gambarie, a renowned and very popular destination all year round.

Characteristics of the tree 
Species: Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin 
Municipality: Gambarie - Santo Stefano d'Aspromonte (RC) - Aspromonte National Park Protected Area 
Dendrometric height: 27 m 
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 4.75 m
Latitude: 38°1683,51 
Longitude: 15°8384,76 
Altitude: 1,324 m asl
A specimen of California Cypress stands in front of the Gambarie Forestry Station headquarters. This is a species from the American West (Oregon, California) which was introduced into Europe in the mid-19th century and spread mainly as an ornamental species. This specimen, with its polycormic trunk and pyramidal shape, stands imposingly at almost 30 metres high, providing pleasant shade for visitors.