We are on the western slope of the hill on which Montalbano Jonico (Province of Matera) stands, in Basilicata, where the most extensive area of calanchi in the region has formed — an area with geological characteristics that are unique in the world and of outstanding value in terms of landscape, environment, archaeology and culture.

A treasure and almost a miracle of nature, so much so that to protect this open-air museum rich in fossils, the Basilicata Region established the Riserva regionale dei Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico in 2011.

What are calanchi?

Calanchi, in geomorphological terms, are defined as the result of soil erosion produced by the washing action of water on degraded clay rock, with sparse vegetation cover and therefore little protection from surface runoff. This is not easy to picture, and forming a concrete mental image of the phenomenon is even harder.

What is certain is that standing before the calanchi takes your breath away.

The landscape that has formed is rugged and evocative — and varied: here it is possible to observe all the stages of the morphogenetic evolution typical of clay soils, which lend the landscape uncommon naturalistic qualities. There are thus calanco systems with sharp, narrow ridges known as "Lama di coltello" (knife blade), representing an early stage of erosion, and others with rounded forms called "Biancane" or "Dorso di elefante" (elephant's back), which bear witness to more mature erosive forms. The arrangement of the calanchi gives rise to spectacular shapes: herringbone, radial or comb-like. Unfortunately, the calanco area is subject to mass movements (landslides) that threaten the stability of the historic centre of Montalbano.

Besides the Montalbano Jonico Reserve, calanchi can be found in Italy in the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany, at Caltagirone in Sicily and in the Bologna area.

Riserva regionale dei Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico

The calanco area of Montalbano — unique in the world for its geological and palaeontological features — is also of particular landscape, environmental, archaeological and cultural value.

The deep gullies of the calanchi that slope down to cultivated fields, bordered by copses of Mediterranean scrub, pines and cypresses, create landscapes of great evocative power, such as the geosite of Tempa Petrolla, an isolated rocky spur rising from a sea of clay.

The distinctive environment of the calanchi has in turn selected a characteristic vegetation that has adapted to the harsh climatic and soil conditions. The flora therefore includes genuine botanical rarities protected by the European Union, such as the Montpellier camphorweed.

The fauna is also very rich, and the wide expanse of the Lucanian calanchi allows numerous bird species to stop over and breed, to the extent that the area has been recognised at European level as an I.B.A. (Important Bird Area).

Visiting the reserve is also an opportunity to explore the historic centre (known as "terra vecchia") of Montalbano, the natural arrival or departure point for excursions or walks in the calanchi. This centre retains an interesting Roman layout, well-preserved medieval and seventeenth-century walls, several historic buildings, churches and chapels. From its viewpoints, one can look out over the Metapontine plain and observe historic sites from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, such as the cities of Heraclea and Pandosia. Equally spectacular is the outlook over the most rugged part of the calanchi on which Montalbano was built.