The Apennine Flora Garden of Capracotta, founded in 1963 by Paolo Pizzolongo based on an idea by Valerio Giacomini, is one of the highest botanical gardens in Italy, located at 1,525 meters above sea level. It is part of the national network of the Italian Botanical Society, which includes 76 botanical gardens and research centers.
The garden protects and preserves the native flora of the central-southern Apennines, offering a journey through various ecosystems: from marshy areas to rocky cliffs, from beech forests to shrublands. It is home to rare and endemic species, such as the Gran Sasso Saxifrage, Majella Spurge, and Thomas’ Peverina, as well as alpine and arctic plants that migrated to the Apennines during the last Ice Age.
In addition to biodiversity conservation, the garden is actively involved in environmental research and protection projects, including habitat restoration, endangered plant recovery, seed conservation, and the promotion of local agro-food plant species.
A key focus is accessibility. The Path of the Senses, designed for visually impaired and blind visitors, features four flower beds with aromatic plants and Braille information panels, along with interactive supports equipped with QR codes and NFC sensors. Additionally, a pre-existing accessible pathway has been adapted to accommodate people with motor disabilities, parents with strollers, and the elderly.
Since 2003, the garden has been managed by a Consortium comprising the University of Molise, the Molise Region, the Province of Isernia, the Mountain Community of Upper Molise, and the Municipality of Capracotta. The University of Molise, through its S.T.A.T. Department, oversees its scientific promotion and management.
Beyond research, the garden fosters environmental education and nature tourism, offering guided tours, educational workshops, and scientific outreach events. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, discover the rich biodiversity of the Apennines, and enjoy a unique experience centered on knowledge and sustainability.